Aptavani-2 Aptavani-02 | Page 58

Aptavani-2 9 Nature of religion (Dharma) What is the definition of dharma (religion)? That which reverts to its original nature (dharma) and then brings forth the result, is called religion. That means it takes hold within and decreases the kashaya (anger, pride, deceit and greed) within. The nature of anger, pride, deceit and greed (kashaya bhaav) is such that they will not decrease. Rather, they keep increasing within. They will not decrease by one’s own efforts. They will decrease through religion (dharma) as defined above. Where will one attain such a religion? From a Gnani Purush. It should be a religion certified by the Gnani. Thereafter, use of just two words of the Gnani Purush, words that are laden with the energy that brings exact results (vachanbad), words that awaken and maintain awakened awareness (jagruti), will shatter the veils of ignorance to release tremendous energies from within. That which brings forth results is religion (dharma). That which does not bring forth a result is not religion (adharma). What is the result? Religion decreases one’s kashays. They become lighter, lesser and ultimately they leave. As they decrease and lessen, one’s inner energy and bliss increases. One becomes aware of the amazing inner energies that express. Where did all these energies come from? That is dharma (religion). If not, the spinning toy (term Dadashri uses for the plight of the human being who enters one life after the other by creating karmas through ignorance, the analogy being the spinning top which stops spinning at death) remains the same