________________
392
THE WAY OF LIFE
matter. Scrutinize the quality of the pleasures of Samsar. Are those pleasures worthy or worthless? Are they transitory or permanent ? It is absolutely necessary to ponder over this point. You are intelligent people and you are capable of reflection and contemplation. If you do not think about this thing properly and if you do not become detached towards pleasures, you will only experience bitter anguish because the root-cause of all anguish and agonies is the absence of detachment in respect of pleasures or the absence of the Nirveda type of neutrality towards them.
If you have attachment for pleasures, you will entertain strong desire to attain them. When you do not attain those pleasures agony and anguish appear. Do you not experience such anguish ? Pleasures are sweet but they cannot be attained; if they are attained they cannot be retained, and if sometimes they can be retained you will not be able to contain them because you may not be able to enjoy them and this inability brings about inordinate infelicity. Should you lead your existence experiencing such agonies ? Should you live through this span of life simpering, whimpering and weeping? Do you prefer to live in darkness though there is the brightest light .within your reach? Do you want to drink poison though the vessel of nectar is within your reach?
You must realize the truth that all the pleasures of Samsar are worthless and transient. All the sensual pleasures are insubstantial, worthless and momentary. This great truth must penetrate every aspect of your soul. Then whatever pleasures you may have in your possession; in whatever manner you may enjoy them, your mind will be detached like a lotus-leaf in a lake. You will not be interested in them. You will not experience sorrow or frustration, if the pleasures that are likely to come within your reach become inaccessible and unattainable. THE FOUR KINDS OF HAPPINESS
Happiness has been divided chiefly into four kinds : 1. The happiness of the member of your family. 2. The happiness of your relatives.
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
