How to Renounce Desires?
(continued)
People say that simply by having such thoughts (all get rest, all are benefited, all are uplifted, all attain salvation) what can happen? I am saying everything takes place that simply by thoughts, if the sentiments are one of giving, then renunciation automatically takes place. When renunciation takes place, then nothing else remains. The sentiments should be that all the perishable things that we have in our possession, they are going away with certainty. Take advantage by utilizing them all for the welfare of others.
"Dekhat he chip jaavasi jyun taaraa parabhaat"
As the sun rises, the stars hide away, similarly this life, this world is beginning to hide and go into death. It is going into "pralay" (dissolution, end). Therefore while the objects remain, utilize them and be benefited.
If you have money-possession than listen carefully, for how long will they be there? In other words, they are there for a very few days, thereafter they will escape. Either the money will go away, or your body will go away, or both will go away. But it will surely and most certainly go away, there is no doubt about this. If you put these in virtuous and meritorious acts, then you will be most gratified and contented. Or else you will die leaving them behind, then you will become an evil spirit, a ghost, a snake, or go to hell. Therefore the sentiments should be one of only doing good to others, for their welfare. For this, there is no need for money. Whatever knowledge, intellect, body, mind, senses that you have, through that, see how can others be benefited? Wish for this intensely and deeply. How can the maximum number of people be benefited?
Today open and spread your vision. See how much suffering is going on in this world! People are not getting food. Those who were big landlords once upon a time, at present there is not even enough food to eat in their homes. That is the state of affairs at present. Many of the gentlemen staying with me have gone to villages. They have distributed food and fodder and shared the stories of villagers. If it does not rain what will be the condition? God only knows. These are difficult times and circumstances. People from good families come and meet me at night. They do not show their face during the day. What can they do? There is no food to eat, no clothes to wear. This is the current condition. At such times, if you have things, it is a great opportunity to put these to proper use. Therefore make good use of them now.
There is no fodder for cows. Many places there is even great shortage of water. The heat is unbearable and at the same time there is no water, think about what our condition would be at such times? Give some thought to this!
You and me, wishing to take things, is like burglary, it is gluttony and extravagance. Let me et more. If not money, then let me get name and fame. let me get praises - all this is robbery. Whether you desire money-relaxation or name-fame, it is one and the same thing.
Ko vaa daridro hi vishaalatrushnah |
Shrimaanshrch ko yasya samastatoshah||
Who is needy and poor? He who has great desire and thirst is a needy person.
Needy at all times, needing and needing more - this is poverty, great poverty, a wretched state. In reality, we will become wealthy on the day that this need (thirst, craving) leaves the heart. How can all get happiness, how can welfare of all take place, how can all beings be benefited - this point is one of priceless treasures. Just as on turning the key to the treasure chest towards us, the chest is locked, one cannot get a single penny thereafter. Whereas on turning the key in the other direction, all the treasures are available. Similarly, when the sentiments are one of "I must get" then the treasure chest is getting locked. You will cry and get nothing. That very same key, if you turn in the opposite direction, the treasure chest will be always filled. The moment the craving for things goes away, those things become available (easily attainable). Therefore there will be no benefits in carrying on desiring for your self.
(to be continued)
From book "Kalyaankaari Pravachan – Part 2" in Hindi by Swami Ramsukhdasji
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If in doubt regarding the translation, please read the original Hindi message by
Swamiji.
FOR MESSAGE IN HINDI PLEASE VISIT Date : 15th February, 2012 "ICCHAO KA TYAAG KAISE HO? "
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