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The significance of restraint in life
One of the finest examples of inner alertness is that of Emperor Bharat, the ruler of six continents of this earth. He had made a special arrangement to ensure that he didn't get drowned in the excesses of luxuries available to him as a chakravarti, i.e. ruler of six continents.
Three shlokas were recited loudly whenever he entered the royal court-room. He had appointed a special squad for undertaking this task. They would recite the following shlokas in Sanskrit as soon as Emperor Bharat entered the royal courtroom : "जितो भवान्, वर्धते भी : तस्मात् मा हण' मा हण". These shlokas meant "Oh King! You are surrounded by immense material wealth that will make you weak. You have been conquered by the king of material wealth. You have already entered the danger zone. Hence you should not proceed further".
Such bold and cautioning messenger of Emperor Bharat is very necessary today for each of us. In reality, it is necessary to have such a micro Bharat in everyone's conscious. The moment you see danger in enjoying material wealth, you will be compelled to exercise restraint.
King Bhartruhari has coined a very beautiful philosophy in a shloka composed by him. "...". You associate disease with suffering and hence you want to remain free from diseases. Similarly, if you fear disease as the outcome of rampant materialistic consumption, you will be wise enough to stay away from the same. Today also man keeps away from physical indiscretion owing to the fear of contracting diseases associated with such bad habits.
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MIND YOUR mind: 86
