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effectively still a prisoner of such objects. A soul is free when it is not dependent on any external objects of attachment or aversion. Freedom from attachment is not that easy. Gautam you have given up many objects and have cut your ties with many loved ones. However, you must also free yourself from your love for me, your devotion for me, and your emotional dependence on me. This too is bonding, Gautam! Shackles, golden or otherwise, will not allow a bird to fly free in the sky. Gautam, think about this imprisonment of your soul and set it free. Only then will be able to reach the safe shores of freedom."
you
Ch. 19: Gautam's Guardian
I was listening carefully. My Mahavir was telling me to give up my devotion to him. I lamented silently, "Bhagwan, how can that be possible. My love for you has no limits. Mine is an endless devotion! How can I end that which is endless! I understand you, and I have always obeyed tour every command! But forgive me, my Bhagwan, for I cannot obey this. I am nothing without you. Please do not ask me to pay such a heavy price for freedom! I can live without moksha! I am all right Bhagwan where I am away from my goal, away from the shore, but closer to you! I prefer being within this body in the blissful presence of My Bhagwan than in the eternal bliss of formless moksha. Forgive me Bhagwan, for I cannot leave you! You are my guardian. I will be an orphan without you.
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