Way of Life Part 3

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

Page 23

DISCOURSE 49...
them. He was not prepared to give up his obduracy. This propensity is called pride. If such a haughty man, happens to renounce worldly life at sometime, and even if he happens to become a sadhu, he cannot attain spiritual purification. In fact, the Tirtankars have prohibited the initiation of such haughty people into the Sadhudharma. But often, it happens that such a man's haughtiness is not discerned at the time of his initiation. Such a man appears to be very simple, humble, and straightforward. But later, when a necessity arises, the truth about his nature comes to light, "This man is the very embodiment of pride". Hence, it has been said that it is necessary to attain a partial control over the inner enemies, in the very first phase of the endeavour to attain spiritual development. Without attaining victory over the inner enemies, one cannot attain victory over the senses. The man who continues to carry out spiritual endeavours ignoring this truth, will surely experience a spiritual fall at some time or the other; and he becomes polluted' either in observance or in his thinking.
Pride and arrogance are inner enemies. This truth must be realized by all those who desire for spiritual development. Bahubali's pride was not intense. When Brahmi and Sundari came to him; and spoke to him employing symbolic language, he realized his mistake. "What my sisters say is true. I am sitting on the elephant of ego. In this condition, I cannot become a Vitrag (I cannot conquer my inner enemies)". This truth dawned upon him, and he set off to meet Bhagwan Rishabhdev. As soon as he placed his step in that direction, the bondage of Karma broke off. Kevaljnan appeared.
"Whatever my sisters Brahmi and Sundari may say I will not set off to meet the Bhagwan, until I attain Kevaljnan. I cannot salute my younger brothers”. If he had remained obstinate he could never have attained Kevaljnan.
KEEP OFF OBSTINACY
Even in household matters, obstinacy in respect of anything does not bring glory to noble people. Obstinate and haughty people cannot attain any success in social and financial spheres.