Way of Life Part 1

Author(s): Bhadraguptasuri
Publisher: Vishvakalyan Prakashan Trust Mehsana

Page 99

DISCOURSE S
inner reality. Such a man will not desire Samsar; on the other hand, he would abhor it, and despise it. Yes! He, by means of his external vision, will be able to disentangle himself from the sins of Samsar. Such a man may seem to be immersed in the sensual delights of Samsar but he would be really detached. His heart would not be in them, because he knows this truth, "What I am doing, is not to be done." One who is in such a state of awareness cannot go by the path of ruin. He will certainly follow the path of prosperity and will reach the heavenly world.
In the heavenly world, such a jivatma attains an abundance of physical pleasures. In that world there exists no physical pain or sorrow of any kind. That is because of the efficacy of Dharma. If the jivatma retains the power of right vision in the midst of such prosperity and sensual delights, then after the destined span of life in the heavenly world is over, the jiva is born in this world as a noble human being. The soul that is accustomed to remain detached even in the midst of the celestial delights of the heavenly world, possesses great strength; and its strength increases greatly. After attaining the state of human life, he pursues the path of self-discipline and austerity. Sorrow cannot dismay him; and happiness cannot fascinate him. The name Charitradharma or initiation into a life of celibacy and austerity, is given to the action of voluntarily renouncing all physical and sensual delights which he has in his possession, and such an action of austerity destroys all karmas and elevates the Jiv (man) to the level of Shiv (God). It frees those who are caught in bondage.
There is a famous statement in Sanskrit. It means that Dharma helps man to attain Moksha gradually. It brings about a gradual development. The Jiva that keeps achieving spiritual excellence gradually, ultimately attains the Parampad or the supreme state. In this Grantha, the great acharya, Haribhadra Sooriji describes the gradual process of spiritual endeavour and consequent attainment. If a man continues to put forth efforts fort his spiritual progress in this manner, he will surely realize and experience the efficacy of Dharma in his life. Probably, people do not put forth spiritual efforts in that gradual and