Page 19 - Desire to Disaster

If they are asked to fast, and practise penance and develop
self-control for the sake of spiritual benefit, they flatly refuse
to do so. But when the doctor or dietician asks them to do
so, they are happy to go to any extent. They are willing to do
anything for the body. But when asked to do something to help
their eternal soul, they are unwilling to make any sacrifice
whatsoever. They do not realise that they are suffering from
the most painful disease of reincarnation (bhava roga), that
their freedom is constricted by karmas (karma roga), and their
perception is clouded by delusion (moharoga). Therefore, they
are unwilling to follow any vows for spiritual progress, like
Viggai Tyāga {giving up foods which increase one’s passion},
Lilotri Tyāga {giving up green vegetables on certain days of
the month}, Vardhamāna Tapa {increasing penance}, Āyañbila
{eating one meal a day of bland, tasteless food} and other
forms of self-control and penance.

When it comes to chit chatting with friends, or going out
with them, one’s sensual desires are appeased. Hence,
one readily accepts such invitations. But when it comes to
reciting the Namokāra Mantra, doing a Sāmāyika {remaining
in equanimity for a specific period of time, by detaching the
senses from sensuous objects} or Pratikramaña {confession
and repentance for one’s faults}, they are not ready to do so.

Similarly, qualities that beautify the soul, such as namratā
{courteousness}, saralatā {simplicity}, udāratā {generosity},
pavitratā {purity} do not seem attractive from the worldly
enjoyment point of view. Hence, there is no sincere attempt
made to imbibe and develop these qualities within oneself.
Even sterling qualities such as dayā {compassion}, paropakāra
{helping others selflessly}, sevā {service to others}, tapa
{penance}, tyāga {renunciation}, sahisñutā {tolerance} are
seen as a liability, since they would result in loss of worldly
enjoyment. Hence, people try to stay away from such
qualities.
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