Page 23 - Desire to Disaster

it has to be the right path. So why not follow that path,
instead of indulging in attachment and aversion, acts of
violence and greed, and activities that increase our worldly
bondage. Why consider the path of attachment and bondage
to be a worthy one? Am I not disrespecting the Arihantas,
by disobeying their teachings? The Arihantas are all-knowing
and all-seeing. They are supremely compassionate. Despite
having them as our heroes and role models, if I do not
practise their teachings, am I not being wicked, indifferent,
shameless and impudent? Reflect upon this constantly. If
you constantly ponder over this, it is possible that you will
be able to change the direction of your thoughts and begin
focusing on that which helps your soul, instead of that which
helps your body.

2. Prayers

Each day, pray to the Arihanta, asking him to open your
eyes, so that you may realise that developing good qualities,
earning good deeds and leading life as per the teachings of
dharma is the best way for you to fulfil all your objectives.
The scriptures tell us about the power of prayer. Prayers are
guaranteed result providers.

3. Focus on the Inner Self, not on the body

See for yourself that the inner self is seldom quiet. Thoughts
occur constantly, and we continue to experience attachment
and aversion, which have their own ebb and flow. We desire
so many things. We allow ourselves to get tied down by so
many preconceived notions.

All this occurs not because of the body which is incapable
of conscious thought. It is the soul which undergoes these
thought processes. With time, our thoughts and circumstances
change and we can understand that the attachment, aversion,
passions, undertakings and accumulation that we identify
Desire to Disaster 23