|| Shri Hari ||
Need to Improve One's Nature
continued......
The good work that a man does, in turn he buys, comforts, rest-relaxation, name-fame etc. The moment he does good work, he immediately becomes filled with pride. All evils live in the shade of this pride, as pride is the root of all demoniac traits. Just as in Mahabharat it has come that Kaliyug lives under the shade of 'bahede', similarly Kaliyug lives under the shade of this pride. All the evil qualities and conduct live under the shade of pride. This pride turns to naught all the good that has been done. And nowadays this pride is being bought through charitable acts etc.
By devotion, chanting of the Lord's name, service in the name of God, there will be renunciation of pride, and our nature will improve. This is not difficult. By firmly deciding to renounce pride, pride will be given up. Otherwise it is very difficult. Each day we will chant the name of the Lord three lakh times and engage in all other spiritual activities, but we refuse to relinquish our hold on pride ! We will become a ‘sadhu’ (ascetic, renunciate), we will renounce everything, but ‘I am a renunciate’, this pride of renunciation remains as it is. It is said that — --
Ahankaar raakshas mahaan dukhadaayi sab bhaanti |
Jo chute is dushtase soi paavai shaanti ||
Meaning: This pride is a horrible devil and is painful in every way. Only he who is free from this scoundrel can get peace.
Therefore, Gentlemen ! Purify your nature and make it gentle. Whatever flaws (bad qualities, bad conduct) you see, wipe out these flaws. Then the effect of worship and devotion (bhajan), and remembrance of God (smaran) will be significant. The evils of selfishness and pride that are sitting hand in hand; they do not let the effect of ‘bhajan’ penetrate, it does not let a ‘sadhak’ become detached. Therefore selfishness and pride are obstacles to our spiritual progress. Thus, there is great need to improve our nature and to make it pure and gentle.
Narayan ! Narayan !! Narayan !!!
From 'Taatvik Pravachan' in Hindi and 'Let us Know the Truth' in English by Swami Ramsukhdasji
to be continued......
From "Taatvik Pravachan" in Hindi and "Let us Know the Truth" in English by Swami Ramsukhdasji