Page 68 - Desire to Disaster

in life, you shall move on the path of righteousness and
self-control. Your load of sin will decrease. And the effect
of your previous sins shall diminish. There is absolutely no
doubt about it.”
The king asked humbly, “O lord, what is the opposite path,
that shall lead me away from my sinfulness?”

The monk explained that, “The opposite path is the path of
sañyama {self-control}. One loses one’s way and commits
sin due to mental desire, sensual indulgence and hedonistic
conduct. This can be reversed through self-control and
penance. In order to control the senses and the mind, you
must first completely give up violence and all other sins.”

“Until today, you have led a life where you constantly harmed,
hunted and killed other living beings. Your conduct has been
unrestrained. You have constantly sought sensual gratification.
Now rebuild your life in such a manner, that you do not
harm the tiniest living being. You have to grant abhayadana
{boon of living fearlessly} to all the living beings in the
universe. You have to respect their right to life. You must not
commit any violence yourself. Also, you must not ask others
to commit violence on your behalf. Nor should you aid, abet,
support, encourage or praise violence committed by others.
Take the vow to never commit violence, never ask others to
commit violence on your behalf; and never aid, abet, support,
encourage or praise violence committed by others. And follow
this vow faithfully.”

Similarly, take the vow to give up lies and falsehood, stealing,
adultery and attachment to material possessions. You must
stay away from all these sins. You must not only give them
up, but also to never ask others to commit the above sins,
nor should you ever aid, abet, support, encourage or praise
these sins being committed by others. Take up these major
vows and always be true to them.”

68 Desire to Disaster