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Walk With Me
Our pleasure and pain is suffered by this physical body and experienced by the Self. Sadhana starts and ends with our becoming aware of the Self, experiencing the Self, and knowing the Self. No one, neither a householder who is looking after his family, nor a monk who has left his family and the worldly affairs, can realize the Self without intense sadhana."
Someone in the audience stood up in excitement and asked, "Bhagwant, can someone like me start sadhana? I have a wife and small children yet to care for. Undertaking sadhana at this stage would be harsh not only on my body but also on my family."
Bhagwan replied, "Sadhana need not be harsh. In fact, fundamental changes occur - both internally and externally - in the life of a person who earnestly starts sadhana. He realizes that he is responsible for his fortunes and misfortunes, pleasure and pain, and for all his actions - good or bad! No longer does he blame others for his own miseries, nor does he depend on some external force for relief. He accepts his responsibilities and begins to understand the real nature of the Self (samyak darshan). He thus takes all his tasks, including family and social responsibilities, more seriously and with dedication. Consequently, a sadhak builds up good character and his actions become gentler and kinder.
A tree with strong roots and a firm foundation dares to soar towards the sky. Similarly, with a strong foundation of understanding the Self, a sadhak always continues to soar towards his goal of liberation in spite of his earthly responsibilities, and ultimately achieves it."
Jain Education International
142
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