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DISCOURSE 96
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If the feeling of renunciation arises in the heart of a man, we will find it easy to observe the ordinary principles relating to the life of a householder. If an inward devotion for the Paramatma appears in a man and if he develops an innate intimacy with the Paramatma, countless sublime virtues arise in his heart. That means, after a man develops attachment for the Paramatma, his attachment for the world and worldly objects decreases. When a man develops attachment for the Paramatma he will acquire the strength to live according to his commands. Avarice cannot annul his spiritual propensities and fears cannot frustrate them. The man who loves the Paramatma achieves victory over avarice and fear. That means, he will not have avarice and fears to the extent that they can impede his observance of the ordinary principles.
DEVELOP INTIMACY WITH THE PARAMATMA
Every day have a darshan of the Paramatma in the morning, at noon and in the evening. Try to visualise the Paramatma in his idol. Say this with a devout heart.
अन्यथा शरणं नास्ति त्वमेव शरणं मम ।
तस्मात् कारुण्यभावेन रक्ष रक्ष जिनेश्वर ॥ "I have no other refuge, oh Lord ! Jineshwar. Thou art my only refuge. Therefore with thine divine compassion; protect me and save me from all calamities.
While singing this song of glorification, concentrate your mind and eyes on the Paramatma. Keep looking at the idol of the Paramatma with concentration and with fixed eyes. Make a determination; and say, "Now you must discard your attachment for the world. In fact, your attachment for the world is breaking off”.
Whether you are men of affluence or poor people or middle class people, for all of you the only true refuge is the Paramatma. All your relationships in this world are illusory and transitory depending on karmas. When some adverse karmas arise, those relationships will end. Even those whom you love more than
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