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MAN CAN CONTROL HIS FEELINGS
Dt. 18-10-1982
Man tastes both happiness and misery. Does he, for a moment, think about the factors which make him elated or depressed? Invariably his attitude and his mode of thinking are responsible for his different moods. An ignorant person may, however, feel that he cannot be freed from these experiences. But people who have gained spiritual knowledge can certrainly maintain their composure and can even turn an undesirable experience into something likeable.
It is man's inherent nature to brand certain objects or persons as good or bad and as 'to be liked' or 'to be hated.' Likes and dislikes are one's own making. On occasions he may embrace a person whom he disliked till the day before or show aversion towards one whom he held dear till recently.
Many feel that they cannot check this tendency. Dharmashastras assure a man that he has the power to control his emotions. He may feel joyous or sad, depending on how he keeps his emotions under control. Shastras remind him that the consequences of his past actions (karma) which
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have accumulated through so many rebirths and his lapses in fulfilling religious obligations (Samskar) can also be responsible for his happiness or otherwise. Sages did not care for luxurious food but ate whatever was provided and controlled their habits. What was achieved by them is also possible by present day men. How to control our feelings is outlined in the spiritual text Prashamrati by Saint Umaswatiji, Pannyas Rajyashvijayji said in a discourse here.
Devotion to religious masters, refuge in God, study of the lives of saints, knowledge of the real nature of worldly objects and realisation of the changes undergone by the soul in its transmigration, without being accompanied by anyone, will all help one achieve tranquillity.
Flattery makes one mad.
If you want to be God, see him everywhere. If Satan were your aim,
you will see him all around.
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