Self Realisation

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

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The Self Realization
acquiring wrong information of truth and reality and to put them on the path of right knowledge and action leading to liberation. Srimad Rajachandra describes the nature of right God, right preceptor and right religion. He protests against the description of Jainism as a sceptical religion. To him, Jainism is the correct appreciation of God, man and the world. It does not deny Godhead, it only denies God as the creator of the world. He holds that man's true greatness lies in the practice of truth-telling, universal sympathy towards all living beings, celibacy, benevolence and equanimity of mind. Vanity and self-pride block man's progress. Man can be great by removing these elements from his nature. Keeping to truth is essential to the maintenance of the world. Hence truth-telling is the first of the great religious observances. Company of the good and the great is the source of all happiness. It purifies man. It brings him nearer to the knowledge of the Self and final liberation. Reading and reflecting on the teachings of the religious scriptures also serves the same purpose namely soul's salvation. Solitude does not necessarily mean keeping aloof from all company. Keeping company of persons of similar aims and practice is also known as solitude. Company of the Saints is a powerful purifying force. As you can't swim on earth, you cannot sink in good company. Hence, it is the sure medicine for the ailing soul. Covetousness and greed, oppressive acquisitiveness, result in the performance of sinful deeds. The Sastras should be read, understood and practised. Parrot like cramming of scriptural texts leads one nowhere. In the lesson on Kapil Muni, Srimad Rajachandra shows desire as the root cause of endless miseries. Desire grows on what it feeds. There is no end to the mind's desires. The world-tree grows on the seed of desire. Desire is ever young. True happiness springs from the abandonment of all desires.