*Morals for Mind Purification*
(A compilation of enlightening parables from the sacred discourses of His Holiness Jagadguru Sri Bharati Tirtha Mahaswamiji)
Published by:
Centre for Brahmavidya
SVK Towers, 8th Floor, A25, Industrial Estate Guindy, Chennai 600 032
Website: www.centreforbrahmavidya.org
*9. An Obsession to Avoid*
"The world should not censure me, but rather, it should praise me." This desire for praise and the fear of criticism is known as Loka Vasana. It destroys one's mental peace. Why? It is because it is impossible to gain universal acclaim for all our actions, no matter how virtuous we are.
Ramayana provides a fitting example for this. Rama was a person who embodied virtue, valour, wisdom in Dharma, unwavering resolve, compassion for all, courage, and a complete absence of anger and jealousy. Rama was in fact the incarnation of Lord Narayana Himself. Rama's wife, Sita, was none other than Goddess Mahalakshmi. She was known for Her unwavering chastity. Yet, despite their exemplary virtues, the faultless Rama and the virtuous Sita faced criticism. What, then, can be said of ordinary people?
This illustrates an important truth: People will find fault with others no matter what. For example, if someone is not handsome, people criticize his appearance. If one is handsome, then his intellect is questioned. If they are learned, their behaviour is scrutinized. If they possess great qualities, they are labelled unorthodox. Furthermore, people from different regions or ideologies find fault with each other. Northerners criticize the customs of the South, and Southerners criticize those of the North. Philosophers from one school criticize those from another. It is thus clear that no one can escape criticism.
This is why a person filled with Loka Vasana-the desire for praise and fear of condemnation-will not find mental peace and the inclination to pursue spiritual discipline. One must not be swayed by the praises or denunciations of others. One should live one's life according to the teachings of one's Guru.
If one concerns oneself with what others say-whether praise or blame-one's spiritual efforts will be in vain. Therefore, one must rid oneself of Loka Vasana.
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