Page 99 - Desire to Disaster

Appendix – 2 (Refer Page No. 67)

Question : How does true jigyaasaa {desire for knowledge}
arise?
Answer : Let us glance through the king’s life to see how
jigyaasaa arises. It is evident that the king deeply
regretted his transgressions. This led to his powerful
thirst for knowledge, which led his asking the guru
for answers. He was told that in order to awaken
true jigyaasaa, he would have to regret in his heart
all his past transgressions and his hedonistic self-
indulgent lifestyle. This regret would motivate him
to seek a path that led him away from sinfulness;
and motivate him imbibe good teachings, thus
preparing him to receive something of substance
from the information his true desire for knowledge
would unearth.

The great problem is that there is no regret for
one’s transgressions, sensual indulgence and
acts of violence and sinfulness. So people listen
to spiritual discourses, read good books and are
aware that Jainism provides tremendous guidance
to the true seeker. But because of indolence and
apathy towards the self, there is no motivation to
learn new things each day that would help one’s
soul. Hence, firstly, one should start feeling regret
for one’s actions of sinfulness.

This is the age of information. People wish to
increase their knowledge. But for what reason? In
order to sincerely regret one’s transgressions?

Desire to Disaster 99