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Bhikshu Gita - Srimad Bhãgavatam 11th Canto 23rd Chapter

The Brahmin said,
"Taking this body, which is a mere creation of the mind, as their own self and the bodies of their wives, sons etc as theirs (the feeling of ‘Me’ and ‘Mine’), men without intellect, laboring under the misapprehension that this is my own self and he is another, revolve in the world of matter (enveloped in the darkness of ignorance), the end of which is difficult to reach. He also believes other men to be the cause of his happiness and sorrow. It is wrong to believe that another is responsbile for one's happiness or sorrow. Body is just another form of the five elements such as earth, air etc. How will the happiness or sorrow experienced by such a body ever affect the soul which is different from and superior to the five elements? If we hold others responsible for our sorrow, then whom can we blame when we experience pain by biting our tongue with our own teeth? So we can not say that others are responsible for our sorrow."

"Neither can we hold God to be responsible for our joy or sorrow, because, God merely give the fruits of our own actions (Karma) and never give anything on their own. In that case we can say that our actions (karma) are responsible for our joy and sorrow. But what does it matter to the soul? Soul is devoid of actions and is full of bliss. Thus it is not affected by joy or sorrow."

"But we can not say that our actions are responsible for our joy and sorrow because only the mind is responsible for the actions (which cause joy and sorrow). The mind creates joy or sorrow and is happy at times and sad at times. Therefore the ever blissful soul is never affected by any joy or sorrow. "

"Nothing in the world will cause fear or sorrow to a person who is aware of the ever blissful soul, which is different from the body. Thus, as ascertained by the seers, with complete faith that the Lord alone is that ever blissful soul, through the worship of the lotus feet of Lord Mukunda, I shall get over this mundane existence which has the darkness of ignorance as the root.”

Thus the Brahmin, even after losing all his wealth, attained dispassion and was devoid of any sorrow or trouble. He did not budge from his righteous course of conduct (though ill treated by the wicked) and remained peaceful.

To be continued……….

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