Cravings

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Cravings

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The more a man satisfies his cravings in the objective world ,

the more his cravings will increase . But if he controls them

and ceases to gratify them , the seeds of craving will be

destroyed . Therefore , let him get self-control.

 

When craving grows stronger , self-control is lost.

When self-control is lost , craving grows stronger than ever.

A man who lives thus will never escape the wheel of birth

and death.

 

Craving is intensified if we let our thoughts dwell upon

sense-objects and seek temporary satisfaction in the

objective world. In order to break the chain of recurring

birth and death , the spiritual seeker must burn both

these causes of cravings to ashes.

 

Craving which is nourished in these two ways will bring

bondage to the wheel of birth and death . But there is

a way to destroy all three - this craving and both its causes.

 

Under all circumstances , always , everywhere , and in all

respects , you must look upon everything as Brahman ,

and Brahman alone. Strengthen your will to know the Reality,

and these all three will dissolve away.

 

Cease to find fulfillment of your cravings in the objective world ,

and you will stop dwelling on sense-objects. Stop dwelling on

sense-objects , and your craving will be destroyed. When all

craving has dissapeared , that is liberation.

It is called liberation-while-living.

 

Shankara's Crest-Jewel of Discrimination

VIVEKACHUDAMANI

Translated by

Swami Prabhavananda & Christopher Isherwood

 

Hari Aum !!!