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Rays of Dharma
For applying brake on acquisition of Karma, we need to reduce our requirements. What we need for survival is a handful of grains, two pairs of clothes and some space to lie down. But we clamor for large houses and have been accumulating heaps of clothes, ornaments etc. Moreover, as the wealth increases, we aspire for still more. We also try to increase our relations and friendly circle. We overlook the fact that we came into the world alone and are going to leave it alone.
A virtuous man deeply thinks over these aspects and overcomes all sorts of worldly temptations, so as to go ahead in spiritual pursuit. While doing so, he need not ignore what others do for him. One who has not formed the habit of self-reliance, is likely to expect work from others. If he goes to a temple for worshipping the idol, he would use the sandalwood paste prepared by someone; he would expect someone else to light the incense-stick, to clean the sanctum and so on. He thus wants to get the benefit of worship while exploiting the labor of others. In his home, he would sleep on a costly bed, but would not care to provide reasonable comfort to his servant.
Such persons should look at the example of Ishwarchandra Vidyäsägar, who always remained concerned with the comfort of his employees. Once he had some important work and had to go out in the noon; instead of sending his servant for that purpose he himself went on a bicycle. When his wife reproached him for not sending the servant, he quietly replied, “My dear, the servant would have been required to go on foot under the hot sun, while I could do it in no time by riding the bicycle”.
One, who thus gives priority to the interests of others over his own, is called Parahitnirat. If one bears in mind that every living being has a soul like his own, he cannot live without doing good to others; it becomes his nature. As eating, taking water, sleeping are considered natural instincts, benevolence becomes natural to him. He feels sad, if he fails to do something good to others. That is a sort of devotion whereby one can attain liberation. It is therefore said, "Mookti bhaktini däsi chhe (Liberation is the maid of devotion).
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