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THE WAY OF LIFE
caught in the snares of physical fascination. And the Sadhu of the Lion's cave became shaken and fascinated by her beauty even by looking at her. His senses were shaken and enslaved... Why? That happened because he had not achieved a victory over Kama or desire. He had not achieved an absolute victory over the inner enemy, Kama (Passion).
Of course, in the life of a Shraman or mendicant, an absolute victory over the senses is essential; but an absolute victory would be possible only if the person had already begun in his worldly life, to make endeavours to achieve a partial victory over the senses. If a person achieves at least a partial victory over the senses while in his worldly life, it will be easy for him to attain a total victory over the senses, in his life as a Sadhu.
Now, if you desire to achieve victory, at least, to some extent over each sense, you can achieve such a victory. In order to guide you in this endeavour, some methods and remedies are suggested since this matter has to be completed to-day.
A VICTORY OVER THE SENSE OF HEARING
We have ears so that we may hear. The action of hearing is of great importance in the activities of life. Deafness is a great impediment in carrying out the activities of life. Even in the sphere of Dharma, deafness is a serious handicap. One must have the discretion to understand what should be heard; and what should not be heard. Even if something is fit to be heard one should know how much of it should be heard; and how it should be heard.
* Never listen to scandals and calumny.
*Keep off the desire of hearing yourself praised.
* Do not hear vulgar and disgusting songs.
* Do not hear anything that increases your attachments and hatred.
*While listening to anything relating to your family or social life, remember that samsar (worldly life) is unreal and insubstantial.
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