________________
DISCOURSE 10
163
Does your mind get firmly concentrated on any kind of spiritual activity ? Why does it not attain concentration ? It is because of the fear in your mind. That fear causes vacillation and instability. You cannot attain concentration as long as your mind is enveloped in some fear. You cannot tell even a single garland of beads in the name of the Paramatma, with concentration.
From the Audience: It also happens so. The hand keeps turning the garland of beads while the mind keeps running after sensual pleasures.
Maharajashri : As long as you do not become fearless, you will continue to be in the same condition. As long as you keep desiring sensual pleasures, you will continue to as you keep desiring sensual pleasures, you will continue to experience fear. Fear causes vacillation; and vacillation brings about aberration in your spiritual austerities. Therefore, I tell you to effect a radical change in your attitude. Give up your desires for sensual delights. Attain spiritual awakening and open your spiritual eyes. Only those people who possess spiritual vision can attain spiritual strength. Spritual strength makes people fearless. That is why I am narrating the story of Pethad Shah, the Chief Minister of Mandavgadh and explaining to you his character. That story is illustrative of this truth. He is such a historic personality that his noble character has profoundly impressed me. His inner character and personality were astoundingly noble. Though he was occupying the position of the Mahamantri he had no desire for power nor was he arrogant. Though he attained Swarnasiddhi (mastery over alchemy), he was not proud of his prosperity nor was he attached to it. Though he possessed a handsome and healthy body, he was free from sensual passions. He was free from the intoxication of youth. Though he was a powerful statesman, he was absolutely devoted to the King and the Kingdom. Though his wife was absolutely beautiful and loving, he adored celibacy. Because he had such a personality, he was always fearless; and he was absolutely devoid of hatred or sorrow. Of course, sometimes, some calamities occurred in his life. Even is these calamities, he did not become a prey to fear. He did not hate even
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
