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SELF-STUDY (Svadhyayashilata )
PART IV : 47
(2) True renunciation (tyaga ) is not possible without a proper
understanding of what is to be given up and what is to be
accepted. (3) Real compassion cannot be actually practised without know
ledge. Knowledge is therefore a forerunner of the practice
of real compassion. (4) In this world of ours nothing is more sacred than knowledge. (5) Acquirement of the best of things is not possible without
best efforts. Hence with a firm determination, man must constantly propitiate the vow of self-study (Svadhyaya ). He should not give up svadhyaya because of various obstacles. Only such a noble, great Sadhaka attains to an established
state of self-study (Svadhyaya ). (6) By following this methodology and also by constancy in
study, one attains to concentration in Svadhyaya. Self-realisation and equanimity of the soul dawns on their own in
this very life as the reward par excellence of Svadhyaya. (7) Indulgence in self-study reveals countless virtues. One becomes
conscious about truth and untruth; intellect flowers; doubts are set at rest; the grasp of Reality dawns; the habit to resort to illogical attitudes leaves the mind. The fame of such a
Sadhaka spreads far and wide. (8) Pride, anger, negligence, disease, and laziness are the five
obstacles in the acquirement of knowledge (Vidya ). With due diligence and care, the Sadhaka should avoid these and
exert constant efforts to acquire knowledge. (9) Just as humility is needed for acquiring knowledge, similarly
even after knowledge is acquired, it shines forth only through humility. A really learned man is always humble and ever continues to be so.
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