Golden Steps To Salvation

SR No.: 008710
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Padmasagarsuri
Publisher: Arunoday Foundation
Publication Year: 1994
Total Pages: 224
Language: English
Classification: Book_English, Philosophy, & Religion
File Size: 12 MB

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"It is not proper to renounce a duty that is assigned to you. If by means of delusion it is renounced it is called tāmasa. The name Rajasah is given to the relinquishment of a duty out of the fear that it may cause bodily trouble or unhappiness. The fruit of such a renunciation cannot be enjoyed by the man who makes it. The name sātvika is given to the renunciation of the fruits of one's duty. This is called karmasanyāsa."
The renunciation of the fruit of our karma or action is selflessness. This kind of renunciation is essential for the attainment of the purity of mind.
It is said, “Until a sādhu attains the level of making a sacrifice without expecting any return from it, he cannot attain purity of mind. How can he destroy his karmas until he attains purity of mind that is until he frees his mind from all passions ?” The implication is that self
fice has a direct connection with the destruction of karmas (good and evil actions. Hence it is said : त्याग एव हि सर्वेषाम्
मुक्ति साधनमुत्तमम् ।। Tyāga eva hi sarreshān
Mukti sādhanamuttamam. “Self-sacrifice is the most efficacious means to attain salvation."
There are two kinds of self-sacrifice on the basis of what is to be sacrificed. They are: (1) Eternal and (2) Internal. The name external sacrifice is given to the Sacrifice of wealth, family, house, lands etc. and internal sacrifice is the name given to the relinquishment of passions and desires. Both the kinds of sacrifice are great. External sacrifice is made first and then internal sacrifice should be made. The aim of external sacrifice is to make internal sacrifice. If at the end internal sacrifice is not made, all external sacrifices are futile.
"The external sacrifice made by people are futile and fruitless if they retain in their minds passions and desires."