Philosophies of India

SR No.: 007309
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Heinrich Zimmer, Joseph Campbell
Publisher: Routledge and Kegan Paul Ltd
Publication Year: 1953
Total Pages: 709
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 34 MB

Page 313

SANKHYA AND YOGA
here? Will you rest here? This pleasure might prove attractive. This heavenly maiden might prove attractive. This elixir keeps off old age and death. This chariot passes through the air. Yonder stand the Wishing Trees, which grant the fruits of all desire, and the Stream of Heaven, which confers blessedness. These personages are perfect sages. These nymphıs are incomparable, and not prudish. Eyes and cars here become supernal; the body becomes like a diainond. Because of your distinctive virtues, Venerable Sir, all of these things have been won by you. Enter into this high place, therefore, which is unfading, ageless, deathless, and dear to the gods!'
"Thus addressed," continues the commentator, "lct the yogi ponder upon the defects of pleasure: 'Broiled on the horrible coals of the round of rebirthis and writhing in the darkness of birth and death, I have only this minute found the lamp of yoga, which makes an end of the obscurations of the hindrances, the "impairments” (klesa). The lust-born gusts of sensual things are the enemies of this lamp. How then may it be that I, who have seen its light, should be led astray by these phenomena of sense—this mere mirage-and make fucl of myself for that same old fire again of the round of rebirths, as it flares anew? Fare ye well, () ye sensual things, deceitful as dreams, and to be desired only by the vile!
"Determined thus in purpose," the commentary continues, "let the yogi cultivate concentration. Giving up all attachments for things of sense, let him not take pride even in thinking that it is he who is being thus urgently desired even by the gods. If such a one in his pride deems himself secure, he will cease to feel that he is one whom Death has gripped by the hair. [He will become a victim, that is to say, of a heavenly inflation.) And therewith Heedlessness--which is always on the lookout for weak points and mistakes, and must be carefully watched--will have found its opening and will arouse the hindrances (kleša). As a result, the undesired consequences will recur.
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