24 The Flawless Vision
playing cards he must be aware and from within he should tell himself‘ this is wrong, this is wrong, this is wrong.’ This should be the constant integral feeling within him. And if someone were to criticize him for playing cards, he must not defend his actions by saying that it is good to play cards. If he does so, the habit will be perpetuated. At such a moment, he should admit that it is indeed a bad habit. People keep a habit alive by defending it and then they complain about not being able to break it. So don’ t reinforce your habits by defending them.
I also dealt with a similar experience through which I managed to find a way out. Although I have some faults like my pipe smoking, yet from within I am opposed to it. Things should not make you dependent on them. However, if you do become dependent on things, you should know how to be free from them. You become free the moment you discover the method to freedom and that is to harbor the contrary opinion. In no time your habit will leave you. A habit is considered broken only when it breaks by itself. If you venture to break it forcefully through your ego, it remains unresolved and you will be forced to face it in your next life. It is better that you break the habit through understanding.
So whatever habits you may have, whether it is playing cards or anything else, you may indulge in them as long as you oppose it from within your mind and tell yourself,‘ this should not be so’,‘ this should not be so’,‘ this should not be so’.
Suppose while giving a spiritual discourse to a gathering of a thousand listeners if someone openly lashes at you saying,‘ what is the meaning of your preaching when you yourself cannot let go of your card playing habit?’ At such a time you must not defend and hide your habit. You must openly admit that playing cards is indeed your weakness.
Questioner: Should I confess my mistake in front of a