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An invaluable trait

CHENNAI: Ironic as it may seem, it is this worldly life that is full of sorrow and pain that also offers an opportunity to those aspiring for liberation.

The sacred text Yoga Vasishta that contains the essence of spiritual teachings in the form of a conversation between Lord Rama and Sage Vasishta affirms this. It is said that (like prince Siddaratha) the young, and extremely dejected prince Rama sought clarification from Sage Vasishta regarding the purpose and worth of worldly life, where there seemed to be only endless sorrow. The sage's reply was that that as long as there is desire, there will be no peace of mind.

The world is full of disparities and paradoxes of various kinds. It is in the hands of the individual to rid oneself of the misery arising from these differences. What is needed is the ability to view all aspects of life in a dispassionate manner so that they do not affect us. One needs to strive hard to gain this perception.

Desire has to be quenched since greed thrives in it and leads one astray. If one understands that the world is only a mirage, then he can become a Jnani. For a true Jnani worldly life cannot stand in the way. This Jnani's state is centred in the mind.

Great sages and Lord Krishna Himself in the Bhagavad Gita have extolled King Janaka's Jnana and selfless commitment to duty, as a role model to those aspiring to attain that high state of renunciation said Sri R. Krishnamurthy Sastrigal in a lecture. Practice of spiritual discipline is very demanding. Such was King Janaka's austerity and innate perception that though he had limitless wealth at his command, he never came to think of them as his "possession". It is this mental state of detachment that is the hallmark of true renunciation.

Highly evolved souls know the tremendous effort needed to hold the mind under control. Being wayward, it can remain uncontrollable when even the body and senses may be brought under control by severe penance and practice of rigorous self-discipline. Renunciation is in the mind, and is not determined by any other factor such as attire, place or time, or even one's words or deeds.

Scriptures avow that liberation from human bondage is possible only with the pursuit of the ultimate Truth.

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