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I am the Soul
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in the attainment of the fundamental characteristics of the atma. Therefore, nimitta is not to be abandoned. While upadana is in the form of niscaya, nimitta is in the form of vyavahara. Without Vyavahara, niscaya alone does not accomplish anything. The great poet Banarasidass has said -
गुरु उपदेश निमित्त बिन उपादान बलहीन ज्यौ नर दूजे पांव बिन
चलबे को आधीन Without nimitta in the form of Guru's advice, upadana becomes powerless. Upadana alone can do nothing. Just as for a man to walk both legs are necessary; if for some reason one leg is amputated, he cannot walk with one leg. He may well have crutches or a walking stick or any other device, but two legs are required to walk. Thus, even after having upadana, nimitta is essential.
Thus the underlying intention in saying this is that many who walk the path with the refuge of niscaya alone, do not want to absorb the refuge of the three principles of deva, Guru and dharma in vyavahara. They say that, “my atma is my deva, my knowledge is my Guru and upayoga is my dharma. Why do I need any other deva, Guru or dharma? It has been said for the benefit of such stubborn minded jįvas, 'your upadana may well be very strong, but if a proper nimitta is not found, upadana can do nothing
Through a practical example, the great poet Banarasidass says -
ज्ञान नैन किरिया चरन होउ शिवमग धार, उपादान निहचै जहां NEI FAHAAT LAR..
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