Way of Life Part 2

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

Page 21

DISCOURSE 25
his passions to become strong and excited. He does not enjoy the taste of food. He does not allow the desire for magnificence to arise in his heart and he endeavours to the utmost to keep himself in a state of sanity and serenity. Even then if at some time, his senses are provoked and if the reins keeping them under control snap they cause his spiritual decline and ruin. If the fire of passions flames out, it can also burn a muni. If the love for taste increases, it can also cause the spiritual fall of a Sadhu. If the desire for magnificence increases it can ruin him. When infatuation and love of leisure grow strong, they can cause a total ruin in the case of a Sadhu.
SPIRITUAL AUSTERITIES CARRIED OUT WITH LOVE BRING MERIT
Yet a man who has renounced life by means of enlightenment can remain fearless. Constant awareness is essential. A Sadhu who possesses constant awareness can live in perfect conformity with the principles of Sadhudharma and by this means he can gather extraordinary merit. A Sadhu who loves his samyama (self-restraint) also loves his Gurudev and the Paramatma. The spiritual austerities carried out with love bring merit.
From the Audience : Even punyakarma (merit) is an impediment on the path of Moksha; is it not ?
Maharajashri : There are two kinds of punyakarma (merit). One is the papanubandhipunya (the merit that prompts people to commit sins); and the other is the punyanubandhipunya (the merit that impels people to acquire merit). The papanubandhipunya impedes the attainment of Moksha. The punyanubandhipunya does not; on the other hand it assists people in their pursuit of Moksha.
From the Audience: Which kind of merit is called Papanubandhipunya ?
Maharajashri : On account of the emergence of punyakarma the jivatma attains happiness; does it not ? When man