| It is natural for me to seek water. But
who will want to be thirsty? If you seek thirst, search for water will follow, would it
not? If you do not wish to swerve from the straight path, why do you invite trouble on
your self? If you cast covetous glances on women, it will breed more lust in you, and your
firmness of mind will lose its strength gradually without your knowing it. It is difficult
even under natural condition to maintain your purity.
Then, why do you make it more complicated?
To feed your eyes is to add to the armoury of your enemy. 'maa gaa mohaavesam' means 'do
not get overpowered by lust'. 'Aavesa' implies your mind getting out of your control and
going its own way. If your eyes have their way, this is what is in store for you, says Sri
Sankara.
You must pause and reflect, says he, as to
be all this beauty which deludes the mind. Reflection will bring steadfastness. What is
this thing called "body beautiful?" Is it not mere flesh and skin? After knowing
the truth of the matter, is it wise to be taken in by external appearance? Eyes cannot
deceive a firm mind with power to discriminate. Lacking that steadiness of mind, we shall
be ruined if we let our eyes wander here and there as they please. |
