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SWADHARMA
householder. That is the reason why the number of Sannyasins is now increasing. The central teaching of the Gita and Yoga Vasishtha is that Self-realization should be attained in and through the world.
Let me remind you of one important teaching of the Gita which will give you peace of mind and bliss: 'Better one's own duty, though destitute of merit, than the duty of another well discharged. Better death in the discharge of one's duty; the duty of another is full of danger.'
There is another important point. You will clearly understand that the right performance of the duties of any station in life without attachment will bring Self-realization and liberation. Just hear the following anecdote of a pious woman and a butcher with rapt attention:
A Sannyasin retired into a forest to practise Yoga. He remained in a cave for a period of twelve years. He practised Pranayama, Khechari Mudra and various Yogic Kriyas. He developed some powers through these practices. One day he was sitting under the shade of a tree. A crane was perched upon one of the branches of the tree It passed excreta on the head of the Sannyasin. The Sannyasin became enraged He glared at the crane. Some Yogic fire at once emanated from the crown of his head and burnt the crane to ashes immediately. The Sannyasin rejoiced at the marvellous power he possessed.
He now went into the city for procuring his usual
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