Gyaneshwari -Sant Gyaneshwar
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Chapter-13
The field and the knower of the field
Anticipating that his mind will become demented in old age, he thinks about the knowledge of Self. He feels that it is better to dispose of one’s wealth before it is robbed by a thief, as it is better to keep all things in their proper places, before the light is put out. So he takes all proper care that his old age will not go waste and renounces all things, which lead to rebirth. If a traveller, after seeing that the birds have returned to their nests and knowing that the evening has set in, does not take shelter in a fort on the way, he will definitely be robbed. So death will swoop upon him and all his life will have been in vain. Who can anticipate that he will live hundred years (581-585)? If the empty follicles of sesame are thrashed again, they will not yield any sesame. Will the fire which is reduced to ashes burn again? So if he, anticipating old age in his youth itself, does not come under its clutches, know that knowledge dwells in him. Just as a wise man takes proper care of his health, before his body becomes a prey to various diseases, or throws away food chewed by a serpent, so he gives up attachment to objects, separation from which gives rise to pain, distress and sorrow, and remains indifferent to the world (586-590). When he sees that the senses will involve him in sinful acts, he closes their doors with stones in the form of self-restraint. Only he, who behaves in this fashion, becomes the master of the wealth of knowledge. Now I shall tell you. O Arjuna, one more unique characteristic of a wise man, please listen. |
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