| No one
thinks it is a great fault. We make an appointment with somebody, and we don't go on
time. When asked, we say, "Good Lord, I forgot!" Both the speaker and the hearer are satisfied with this
explanation. It looks as though people think that there is no remedy
for forgetfulness. But this forgetfulness does harm in practical as well as in
spiritual matters. It is, in truth, a grave sickness. The canker consumes the mind and our
life becomes hollow.
12. The laziness of the mind is the
cause of forgetfulness. If the mind is alert, it cannot become forgetful.
The recumbent mind cannot save itself from the disease of forgetfulness. Hence the Lord
Buddha says,
"pamaado machchuno padam"
Negligence, forgetfulness, is death itself. To get rid of this forgetfulness, we should conquer
laziness and sloth. Work with your body. Be always alert. Let every action proceed from deep thought.
Nothing should ever be done without thinking. Think before you act and think also after you act.
Before and after action, everywhere, the Lord in the form of thought should stand beside us. If
we acquire the habit, the disease of inattention will leave us. All our time
should thus be regulated in the right way. If we keep an account of every
moment, laziness cannot break into our life. It is in this way that we
should try to conquer tamas. |
