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THE WAY OF LIFE
speak of sin and merit sometimes commit this sin of ingratitude, thinking that even that is dharma. We should say that it is our misfortune that this kind of disease is widely prevalent in our society.
The god, Yugabahu regarded Madanrekha as his Guru, spiritual mentor and he first honoured and saluted her and performed circumambulations around her. Later, he saluted the Muniraj and the great Sadhu remarked that his conduct was absolutely right and proper. We should realise here what importance should be given to those spiritual heads who give spiritual guidance to people to attain to higher levels of existence. Madanrekha, of course, was not a Sadhvi (a mendicant). She was a house-holder but she was a guru, a teacher to Yugabahu in inspiring pure dharma in his heart. So, she was an Acharya or spiritual mentor to him. This opinion of Yugabahu was true, proper and absolutely auspicious.
The god, Yugabahu said to Madanrekha, "Oh lady, what is your wish? I am prepared to fulfil any wish of yours."
Madanrekha said, “I desire salvation. I wish that my soul should freed from the bondage of Karmas but, at once, you take me to Mithila. I will once see the face of my new-born child. After that I will spend all my life in the performance of spiritual austerities”.
How magnificent and inspiring was Madanrekha's reply! In her heart of hearts, she desired only salvation but externally she felt a desire to see her child. It was not any worldly attachment for the child. She thought, "If I see once my child and find that my son is not indifficulties then I will spend the whole of my life in spiritual austerities". It was on account of this desire that she wanted to go to Mithila. After the mental eyes are opened, one does not like the worldly life; one does not relish worldly enjoyments; such a person aspires only for moksha. Even though one may be in bondage, one aspires for salvation. After one has attained the right vision, one naturally renounces the worldly life and aspires for salvation.
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