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Ch. 17: Prasannachandra-Mind and Action
"Hell is the only reward for such a soul which is mired in violence and hatred at the time of death." said Bhagwan.
"Such difficult sadhana and you are saying that he would go to hell! Bhagwant, is there no reward for all that many years of sadhana?" Emperor Shrenik was not ready to accept such a harsh verdict. "Bhagwant, I have tremendous respect for someone like Prasannachandra and his deep sadhana. Therefore, I am saddened to learn that he will go to hell. Isn't the battle waging in his mind just a temporary phase? Will his unruly state of mind not return to full peace? Could he not get back in the right direction with his sadhana? When will his imaginary enemies disappear?" Emperor Shrenik appeared to be concerned.
Bhagwan said, "Sadhana must always be accompanied with conscience or true bhava. Even a positive action is worth nothing unless it is in tune with one's conscience. Auspicious thoughts must accompany auspicious acts. When and if Prasannachandra becomes free from violent thoughts and gets in tune with his sadhana, his rewards will improve. His soul will then merit a birth in heaven, or he may even achieve liberation."
Emperor Shrenik was now intrigued. He asked, "Who regulates the mind? What is the power that decides whether we will go to heaven or hell? Is there someone or something that rules our overall life?"
Bhagwan replied, “There is no external power or authority that rules our life and destiny. We are the masters of our destiny. But, our undisciplined mind often ignores our chitta and rules our body and senses when responding to external events. It generates endless thoughtwaves that are full of desires and passions. If, through sadhana, we
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