Asserted Topics:
Various topics.
Main Points:
Various topics have been discussed.
Commentary:
Why does a wise person find faults with a Sant (saint)? In response, Maharaj says that a wise person perceives inappropriate traits in his own nature, and with a deep sense of dveshbuddhi (intense dislike) towards those traits, he actively works to remove them. When such traits are present in a Sant, the wise person feels a similar aruchi (dislike) and becomes indifferent. However, this dveshbuddhi (dislike) is not aimed at the Sant, but rather at the inappropriate behavior. The sense of discrimination between what is acceptable (grahya) and unacceptable (agrahya) is not a flaw but actually helps in the person’s spiritual progress.
Here, sensitivity arises. If the aruchi (dislike) and indifference towards bad traits lead to indifference or dvesh (dislike) towards a Sant, it harms one’s path to moksha (liberation). Therefore, it is crucial to maintain careful and vigilant relationships with such individuals. If this is not done, then both avoiding or maintaining the relationship can be detrimental. Hence, possessing a deep sense of vivekbuddhi (discrimination) is essential. A foolish person, on the other hand, does not consider their own purity or impurity but expects complete perfection from others.
Is the intensity of internal enemies like kamadik (lust, anger, etc.) determined solely by childhood, youth, and old age, or can it also be influenced by personal effort? Maharaj answers that the waxing and waning of kamadik (lust, anger, etc.) in youth and old age depend on food intake. Less food is consumed in childhood, so the intensity of kamadik (lust, anger, etc.) is lower. More food is consumed in youth, leading to a higher intensity. Therefore, by regulating food intake, one can also regulate these urges. Childhood, youth, and old age are conditions created by Bhagwan (God), which cannot be altered, but one’s diet can be controlled according to personal will. This means that the reduction of kamadik (lust, anger, etc.) can be planned with one’s wisdom. Maharaj says that if one reduces food intake during youth, deliberately endures heat, cold, and hunger, and lives under the guidance of a great Sant (saint), then even in youth, kamadik (lust, anger, etc.) can be controlled.
Are addictions formed by personal actions, or are they a result of prarabdh (fate)? Maharaj replies, “Addictions are formed through personal actions. They are not the result of prarabdh (fate). They are created through one’s own doing and can be eliminated if one makes an effort. However, due to excessive indulgence, they may become as rigid as prarabdh. Therefore, only through shurvirta (bravery) and strong faith can one overcome them. Without these, one slips further into bad habits and ultimately brings suffering upon the soul.”
Is a person’s nature – whether steady or restless – influenced by the company they keep, or does such a nature exist inherently within them? Maharaj answers, “For the most part, a person’s good or bad nature is shaped by the company they keep. Even if it is a purvabhavi (previously developed) nature, it was initially shaped by association. Hence, good or bad nature is either developed or changed based on the company one keeps.”
Then, Kapileshwaranand Swami asked, “How can we distinguish between an inherent nature and a recently developed one due to association?” Maharaj replied, “A recently developed nature will fade quickly if one keeps the company of a true Sant and makes a little effort to avoid undesirable traits. However, an inherent nature, stemming from the past, takes significant effort to overcome, even with repeated attempts. This is how one can recognize that it is a purvabhavi (previously developed) nature, which requires more persistent effort to overcome.”
Ways to Avoid the Restlessness of the Senses
By focusing on the tip of the nose or concentrating consistently on the image of Bhagwan (God) or another object, restlessness can be reduced. Restlessness of the nose – when one encounters a foul smell and the mind becomes disturbed, they should reflect on the fact that their own body is also filled with such substances, thereby calming the mind and reducing the restlessness of the nose.
To avoid restlessness of the ears, as they are often attracted to humor or vulgar plays, one should not indulge in such things. Instead, they should get up and leave, and regularly listen to the discourses of Bhagwan. If drowsiness occurs, it should be dispelled so that the ears can be controlled.
One should endure cold and heat knowingly. Avoid sleeping on soft bedding, and instead, sleep on a hard surface that is not comfortable. By doing so, the restlessness of the skin can be curbed.
If the hands are idle, hold a mala (rosary) and turn its beads while reciting the name of Bhagwan with every breath. Serving the devotees of Bhagwan with one’s hands also helps reduce restlessness.
By firmly mastering one’s posture (asana), performing circumambulations around the image of Paramatma (God), or walking for a pilgrimage, restlessness of the feet can be eliminated. One should never scratch the genital organ. Keeping the body slightly weak and avoiding obscene reading will help alleviate restlessness of the genital organ.
One should not feed the tongue what it desires. When there is food that the tongue craves, control it with proper diet regulation. If one remembers Bhagwan and eats with the attitude that it is His prasadi (blessed food), the restlessness of the tongue can be controlled. Additionally, when great Santo are delivering discourses, one should not interrupt with their own opinions. If an error is made and they do interrupt, they should impose a self-penalty. This is how the restlessness of the tongue can be tamed. In fact, if the sense of taste is conquered, the restlessness of all other senses is also overcome, and through pranayama (breath control), all senses can be brought under control.
How Can One Recognize When a Person is Agitated by Lust?
Their eyes and other indriyo (senses) constantly seek connection with the opposite person without any specific reason. This restlessness is a clear indication that the effect of kama (lust) has spread to all the senses. Therefore, unnecessary and distorted actions signify the influence of kama.
To make devotees with a calm nature more dynamic, they should engage in the service of Bhagwan and His devotees, understanding their greatness and performing Navdha Bhakti (nine forms of devotion). This will instill restlessness in them. On the other hand, if someone is overly restless, they should reflect upon their true self (atma) and distance themselves from worldly attachments, thus becoming steady.
Among the eight holy scriptures such as the Bhagwat, one should adopt the sections that align with their own nature and lead to spiritual well-being. As for the rest, one should accept them as true but meant for devotees of other inclinations.