Jain Ramayana Part 3

Author(s): Bhadraguptasuri
Publisher: Vishvakalyan Prakashan Trust Mehsana

Page 167

The Reunion with Sita
155
that worldly enjoyments bring about spiritual ruin. When that is so, how could you desire such enjoyments? How could such a desire appear in your mind ?"
Paschim muni sat silent. He did not say anything in reply to what Pratham muni said. He was unable to give any reply. His eyes were fixed on the ground before him. The expression on his face showed that his determination could not be changed. Pratham muni again said affectionately.
"It is a fact that your sensual desires can be fulfilled by the efficacy of long years of spiritual endeavours. But have you realized that those delights are transitory? Do you think that those sensual enjoyments will be permanent ? No, dear brother, no. They are transient and they are illusory. All the pleasures of the samsar are transient and perishable. Those worldly and sensual pleasures which are fraught with pain and agony will only bring ruin, total spiritual ruin. That will be the only fruit of worldly pleasures. Then why do you knowingly fall into the flames of sensuality and get burnt by them? Please listen to me a little. I am your brother; and your well-wisher. I entreat you to follow the path of spiritual elevation which you have chosen and to carry out with absolute concentration and dedication, the austerities that will bring you spiritual elevation. Why do you want to lose all your spiritual attainments for the sake of those transient pleasures ?”
"What you say is absolutely true but I am unable to under-- stand why I am attracted by those sensual pleasures. This desire for sensual pleasures arose in me when I saw the royal couple engaged in those sports and pleasures”. Muni Paschim said with amazement.
"It is likely that the sight of those sports and pleasures inspired in you this desire; but we should keep off such despicable desires by exercising our knowledge and wisdom. We are pursuing the path of Sadhudharma only to restrain and discard such passions; and so it is absolutely essential that we should discard our worldly desires. Our first and foremost duty is to conquer the sensual cravings that have been with us for ages;