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The bodies as well as the objects of pleasure of the senses are transient like bubbles. In the endless, cycle of worldly'existence, union and separation in the womb etc. occur in quick succession. However the self under delusion considers the persons and objects associated with him as permanent. But there is nothing in the world which is permapent except the natural characteristics of knowledge and perception of the self. This is contemplation on the transitory nature of things. He who contem plates thus is free from intense attachment to persons and things and hence he does not feel from intense attachment to persons and things and hence he does not feel distress, when he loses them or separates from them as in the case of garlands used and cast off.
There is no escape for the young one of a deer pounced upon by hungry tiger fond of the flesh of the animals. Similarly there is no way of escape for the self caught in the meshes of birth, old age, death, disease and sorrow. Even the stout body is help ful in the presence of food, but not in the presence of of distress. And wealth acquired by great effort does not accompany the self to the next birth. The friends have shared the joys and sorrows of an individual cannot save him at his death. His relations all united together cannot give him relief when he is affilicted by ailment. But if he accumulates merit or virtue it will help him to cross the ocean of misery. Even the lord of devas cannot help any one at the point of death. Therefore virtue is the only means
