Aptavani-2
519
Where can one place even one such great sentence of
Lord Mahavir now? People do not understand them and end up
covering their nose and mouths with a muhpati (Jain tradition of
covering the mouth and nose with a cloth to prevent himsa
(violence) to small flying insects)! It is acceptable if this custom
is a result of advanced spiritual state which arises in the
prescribed method. This covering of mouth is for the spiritual
seeker in the final stages prior to liberation. He can keep a piece
of cloth with him in order to cover his mouth if he goes some
place where there are many insects. The cloth is not for the
purpose of saving the insects because in reality no one living
entity can save the life of another living entity. It is for the
purpose of preventing insects from entering his body through the
nose or the mouth as that would harm his prakruti (body
complex). That is the purpose of a muhpati. This muhpati
represents the final spiritual cause in the Kramic path. Along
with this, there are many other causes. For example, causes for
‘keval Gnan’ that should also be supported and adopted. But
what use is it to give priority to nurturing a cause, at level of
kindergarten when in fact it is to be adopted and supported at
the Ph.D. level?
One cannot afford to be careless even for a moment. One
is not careless while driving a car and yet he becomes so
careless when it comes to wandering around in endless cycles of
life and death.
The Lord has said, “Realize, realize. Attain the right
understanding. O embodied Selfs, understand. Understand the
right way.” Moksha is there for you, only if you free yourself
from talks that have become entrenched in contradicting what
the Lord has said.
Solution is there if you find the right path
Questioner : It is my discipline to attend spiritual
discourses regularly.