Self Realisation

Author(s): Shrimad Rajchandra, Govardhandas
Publisher: Shrimad Rajchandra Ashram

Page 20

The Self Realization
and elegant. In his writings, words follow the sense. In the Sadbodhshatak he has discussed subjects like union, morality, patience, courage, truthfulness, innocence, devotion, patriotism, social reforms, industry, avoidance of bad company, learning, avoidance of pride, devotion to one's own husband, avoidance of scepticism or nihilism, sympathy, love of religion, writing good books, thriftiness, reduction of the household expenditure, forgiveness, merit, humility, modesty, keeping good and virtuous company, avoidance of the company of foolish women, avoidance of betting etc., thinking of death, search for the path of knowledge, doing charity to the deserving persons, love for doing good to others, increased reading etc.
Anticipating the question why should Raychandbhai have written on ethical topics, he writes "Persons desirous of self-realization living in worldly life, should try to find the root of all ethical life in their self or the soul and they should be just and honest in earning their living and collection of wealth. This is good moral life for them and it should be observed by them at all cost. In its strict observance, renunclation and non-attachment and such other qualities develop in them and by that they begin to appreciate the effectiveness of the teachings of the same by the Gurus and of the obedience to the same. They rightly interpret their teachings and they easily follow the path to self-realization."
Srimad Rajachandra wrote a rosary of 108 golden advices for the benefit of the seekers of self-realization in the year Vikram Samvat 1940 or 1884 A. D. In it, he advises the people to think of the self, not to repent for the life already led but to make the best of the life yet to lead. A man should repent for his immoral acts and should determine to be thoroughly moral in his future dealings. He should allot his time of the day in
17