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DISCOURSE 18
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he did not also hate them. If one has attachment for inert cbjects, one would certainly hate living beings. He had attachment for jivas and he had a feeling of detachment for inert objects. So, how could he hate those jivas? The attachment for inert objects and hatred for living beings constitute the source of all vicissitudes. That great Shravak by means of a constant cultivation of such contemplations as Anitya (perishable) etc. had discarded his attachment for inert objects and by means of such lofty emotions as compassion, had discarded the hatred for jivas. Though he was wealthy, he had no attachment for wealth. Though he was prosperous, he was not a thrall of prosperity. Suvrat Shreshtiji again became deeply absorbed in his meditation on the Paramatma. The thieves were extremely delighted. They took up their bundles and tried to go out. But how could they go out? The feet of the four thieves miraculously clung to the threshold of the mansion. They could not pull off their feet and walk away. Eventhough they made every effort, they failed and now they were in great fright.
The enlightened people have said, “TAP Tai ga : (Dharmo Rakshathi Rakshitah). Keep dharma safe in your heart. It will protect you. In Suvrat's heart there were such lofty ideals as amity for jivas and detachment with respect to inert objects. He was in the possession of the highest kind of dharma namely a pure heart. How could thieves take away his wealth ? A miraculous power had become awake and alert; and it tied the feet of the thieves to the ground.
Yes. Here I would like to mention a point. Suvrat did not pray to any deity, "Oh deity presiding over this area ! please save my wealth from the clutches of these thieves”. He did not also pray to the Paramatma, "Hey Bhagwan ! kindly save my wealth from being taken away by these thieves”. Suvrat was leading a life of detachment, thought he was a house-holder. In his heart, there was no attachment for wealth. When that was so why would he offer such a prayer? A detached heart constitutes the greatest kind of dharma. Detachment brings supreme bliss. The heart that has amity and compassion for jivas is pure, clean, sublime and serene.
In the morning, Suvrat completed his Paushad vrat and
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