Asserted Topics:
Spiritual poverty.
Key Points:
- Without vairagya, defects and distortions are not eradicated.
- Even in the absence of vairagya, defects can be removed through the grace of a Sant or Bhagwan.
Explanation:
In this Vachanamrut, Muktanand Swami asked Maharaj, “A devotee of Bhagwan is mindful not to possess any nature that hinders his worship of Bhagwan, yet some inappropriate nature still remains. What is the reason for this? Despite having the desire to eradicate internal distortions, which weakness prevents him from doing so?”
Maharaj replied, “Even if one wishes to remove their undesirable nature, it does not happen if they lack vairagya (non-attachment). The fire of vairagya acts like an axe, cutting down the roots of weaknesses and defects. In the Gita, it is said, असङ्गशस्त्रेण दृढेन (Asaṅgaśastreṇa dṛḍhena)—with the firm weapon of non-attachment, one can cut through these faults… Therefore, the lack of vairagya invites inner and outer weaknesses and defects, setting a welcoming stage for distortions. A lack of vairagya becomes the reason for the presence of defects, encouraging their growth. Partial vairagya may prevent external defects from entering, but it does not eliminate pre-existing ones. In fact, it consents to their continuation. When vairagya is extremely weak, it neither allows one to break free from bondage nor even reveals the path to liberation. Instead, it entangles one further, leaving them caught between brief periods of drowning in distortions and emerging for a breath, only to see everything again. Such is the state it keeps one in. Therefore, even though a seeker may desire to renounce defects, if there is a lack of vairagya, the defects do not leave. Maharaj explains that just as a pauper longs for sumptuous meals and fine clothes but cannot afford them due to a lack of wealth, similarly, someone without vairagya may desire the tools necessary for liberation, but these tools are rare. The virtues of saintliness are difficult to acquire.”
Muktanand Swami then asked, “What remedy can one without vairagya employ to rid themselves of such vices?” Maharaj responded, “One who lacks vairagya should serve a great Sant with intense devotion and follow Bhagwan’s commands unwaveringly. When Bhagwan showers His grace upon them, the vices are instantly eradicated. Otherwise, through intense effort, vices may gradually be removed in this life or even in the next. However, it is only through the grace of Bhagwan that vices can be eliminated instantly.”Thus, there are only two methods to remove the inner distortions of enemies: either intense vairagya or grace. Grace comes from Bhagwan or a great Sant who is without faults and filled with devotion. Vairagya is a difficult practice, earned through karma, and achieving it in one lifetime is challenging. On the other hand, the grace of Bhagwan or a Sant is readily accessible. Upon seeing the sincere efforts of the aspiring seeker, they melt immediately, and their hearts overflow with grace. Bhagwan and His Sant are not as harsh as vairagya. Despite their intense vairagya, they are filled with immense compassion. Therefore, this second method is far superior and easier for eradicating distortions in this very life.