Page 27 - Desire to Disaster

soul. When satsang with realised souls is not possible, one
should spend one’s time reading good books. The focus should
not be on the number of books you read. Instead, it should be
on retaining what you have read. Contemplate upon what you
have read and try to practise it in your day to day life. You
should internalise the teachings to such an extent, that they
become a spontaneous part of your behaviour. In essence,
you must digest what you have read.

Just as merely eating good wholesome food will not help
your health unless you digest it. Similarly, it is not enough to
read good books. If you cannot understand it, reflect upon it,
and internalise it to the extent that it becomes a part of your
day to day behaviour, merely skimming through the pages
will serve no purpose.

Even a small amount of reading is enough to change your
thought process, your understanding and your behaviour. You
will stop perceiving your well-being in material wealth. Instead,
you will seek spiritual progress. Words are tremendously
powerful. Even a few words, when heard with a calm mind
create a great impact upon the psyche. They motivate you to
focus on spiritual well-being. So please ensure that what you
read brings about a change in your heart and mind.
8. Spiritual Efforts focused on Self-Realisation

One more thing that is worth doing, is to ensure that even if
you are not committed to the spiritual path, you keep doing
things that benefit your soul. And while doing things that
benefit your soul, keep telling yourself that your true benefit
lies in spiritual progress, not in worldly progress. Introspect
on this principle. Your mind should be convinced that true
well-being lies in obeying the teachings of the Arihanta,
the teacher and the religion preached by Mahāvīra Svāmī.
And that your soul will benefit in the auspicious surrounds
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