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which leads to spiritual absorption or eternal tranquillity. He who draws away the senses from the objects of senses on every side his intelligence is firmly set in wisdom.
5. Bodily Austerities: Mahavira said, “When odds come in your way, face them boldly. See what I have achieved and do not underestimate yourself. Make full use of your capabilities and stabilise them and then only you can conquer the inner world. One who acquires power and patience remains cheerful forever."
The path of Mahavira is of equality, capability and stability. The pursuer of great perseverance does not think without capabilities.
In this world there are many pressures created by the pairs of good-bad, bitter-sweet, dark-light, summerwinter, hunger-thirst etc. Becoming attached to or excessively elated with success, praise, fame and pleasure can be a set-up for suffering when the wind of life changes direction. Ignorant of the source of sufferings, a person appears to be always dejected and is engrossed in senses, would then neglect his work and family, feel weak, irritable and apathy, and resorts to drinking alcohol or addicted to intoxicants, sleeping, indulges in fantasy and speaks arrogantly
Mahavira said, “Just as one cannot find any essence in the stem of a plantain tree, so also one can never find true happiness from sensory pursuits. A person who has fallen prey to sensual enjoyments and vices is like a traveller who is unable to control his roguish horse and fails to reach his destination".
The root cause of sorrow is the attachment. People are more concerned to gross body and attached to sensual pleasures. Attachment causes suffering and
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