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In Search of the Ultimate
It is difficult to conquer one's self which is in possession of the five senses and has anger, pride, delusion and greed; but when self is conquered everything else is conquered. (9/37)
Countless mountains of gold and silver, as high as Kailash (Everest) would not satisfy a greedy man because his desires are infinite like space. (9/47)
As an old, yellow leaf falls on the ground after a few days in autumn, so ends the life of a man whose days are over. O Gautam ! do not be careless (inadvertent) for a single moment. (Lord Mahavir speaking to His chief disciple Gautam ) ( 10/1 )
As a drop of dew sits on the top of a blade of grass and does not last long; similarly a man's life does not last long. ( 10/2)
As a lotus, flourishing in water, manages to stay clear above the surface and remains comparatively dry; so should you stay clear of materialistic desires. O Gautam ! do not be careless for a single moment.
You have managed to cross the ocean of worldly pleasures, now why have you stopped ? Rush and come back to the shore. O Gautam ! do not be careless for a single moment.
Penance is the fire, life ( soul ) is the fireplace; a balanced mind is the ladle, body is the activator (i.e. will power is the activator), karma is the wood, self control is the hymn and right conduct is the sacred ceremony of sacrifice ( YAGNA). This is the best ceremony. ( 12/44 ) Religion is the sacred pond for bathing. This is in a sacred place called celibacy. With great joy in my heart I take a bath in religion's
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