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68
BHAGAVADGITA.
friend, (a man's) own self is also his enemy' To him who has subjugated his self by his self, his self is a friend ; but to him who has not restrained his self, his own self behaves inimically, like an enemy. The self of one who has subjugated his self and is tranquil, is absolutely concentrated (on itself), in the midst of cold and heat, pleasure and pain, as well as honour and dishonour. The devotee whose self is contented with knowledge and experience, who is unmoved", who has restrained his senses, and to whom a sod, a stone, and gold are alike, is said to be devoted. And he is esteemed highest, who thinks alike about well-wishers, friends, and enemies, and those who are indifferent, and those who take part with both sides, and those who are objects of hatred, and relatives, as well as about the good and the sinful. A devotee should constantly devote his self to abstraction, remaining in a secret place, alone, with his mind and self? restrained, without expectations, and without belongings. Fixing his seat firmly in a clean 8 place, not too high nor too low, and covered over with a sheet of cloth, a deerskin, and (blades of) Kusa (grass),--and there seated on (that) scat, fixing his mind exclusively on one
' Self is here explained as mind, the unsteadiness of which prevents the acquisition of devotion, p. 71.
This means restraining senses by mind. Sec Maitrt-upa. nishad, p. 180.
• Supra, p. 57. • By any of the vexations of the world. • I. c. is free from affection or aversion towards them. • Release from suciety' is insisted on at Sutta Nipata, p. 55.
Self is here explained as senses; in the previous clause as mind. • This requisite is prescribed by many authorities. Cl. A lándogya-upanishad, p. 626; Maitri, p. 156; Svetâsvatara, pp. 318, 319; and Ásvalayana (Grihja-salra) III, 2, 3, for Vedic study 100.
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