Renunciation of Sense Objects

1. The listener says, "Most people get bored with harsh talk about propriety and virtue. It is not advisable to take food when there is the sensation of vomiting. (Meaning that one should not continue to listen with a mind that is rejecting what is being said.)
2. Many people criticize the sense objects yet continue to enjoy them. The body does not continue to function when giving up sense objects entirely.
3. When one speaks in one way and behaves in a contradictory manner, such a person is said to have a low level of discretion and sense of propriety. People laugh at this type of behavior.
4. There are many statements made in many various places that say unless sense objects are given up, one cannot attain the fulfillment of spiritual life. One must understand the meaning of this for oneself.
5. Is it the case that worldly people take meals and those living a spiritual life must constantly be fasting? Both appear to be the same with regard to the enjoyment of sense objects.
6. Who has completely given up sense objects while the body is living? The revered teacher is requested to please explain this.
7. If it is said that one must entirely give up all sensual pleasures before one can live a spiritual life, statements such as this only create confusion."
8. The listener put forth the question in this way. The speaker then replied, "Please become alert and concentrate your mind on this subject."
9. The culmination of spiritual life is only realized if one gives up everything by being desireless. It is only by abandoning the worldly life and all attachments that complete spiritual fulfillment is attained.
10. In the past, many Jnanis have come and gone. They made many strenuous efforts and then went on to become famous in the world.
11. Many have merely passed away living their lives filled with envy, while others died constantly crying for food. So many lives have been wasted only for the sake of filling the belly.
12. Basically, if a person has no desirelessness, no knowledge based on experience, and no virtuous behavior, how can there be any real devotion?
13. Such people call themselves virtuous, but upon examination, it is seen that what they say is only based upon speculation and guesswork.
14. For those who do not see the error in their ways and change their minds and conduct accordingly, it is an indication of errors and mistakes made in the past. From moment to moment, such people feel envious seeing the success of others.
15. This feeling of "If I don't get to have something, then you should not be able to have it either," is known by all. One who does not get enough to eat, cannot tolerate seeing someone else who gets enough food. This can be seen everywhere.
16. Fortunate people are criticized by unfortunate people, and thieves get irritated when seeing those who are virtuous.
17. There is no fortune greater than desirelessness. Not being desireless is the greatest misfortune. Without being desireless, there is no ultimate fulfillment in spiritual life.
18. Know that the one who has gained Knowledge from actual experience, who has become detached with the power of discrimination, and who has renounced everything is a great yogi, a godly person.
19. Having given up the eight spiritual powers of accomplishment (siddhis), and having been initiated on the path of yoga, even the great god Shiva (Mahadeva) goes from house to house asking for alms.
20. How can one who merely wears the garments of a monk, but who has no actual experience equate himself with God? The two cannot be compared.
21. People seek out the one who is disinterested in worldly life and who utilizes the power of discrimination, while those who are greedy and foolish live a pitiful life like that of a pauper.
22. Those who have turned away from inquiry and thoughtfulness, who have a corrupt sense of moral conduct, and who have forgotten to use the power of discrimination are greedy for sensual pleasures.
23. They do not worship God, nor enjoy chanting God's name, and because of this they cannot bear to be around virtuous people.
24. By being desireless one does not become corrupt, nor does one give up Knowledge (Jnana) and Devotion (Bhakti). Although such a one is well versed, he does not get into arguments. Such a desireless person as this is very rare.
25. Just as it can be seen that putting in hard work in the fields brings in a good crop, and that high quality goods get sold out immediately, similarly, many people are attracted to the feet of those who are knowledgeable.
26. Others only become completely fatigued and useless because of their unreasonable hopes and desires. Because of their greed, their knowledge becomes confused.
27. Give up the strong attachment to sense objects and be free from the cycle of cause and effect. Recognize the signs of abandoning attachment to sense objects to be like this.
28. Everything is only God, and God is the only doer. Manifestation does not have any place to exist. Only those who utilize the power of discrimination understand this with discrimination.
29. One who is courageous in difficult situations is respected by the young and old alike. How can someone who is a hard worker be considered to be the same as someone who is lazy?
30. One who is wise understands what is to be given up and what is not to be given up. He acts in accordance with his speech and has correct understanding about the physical body and the universe.
31. One who is like this understands everything and is fully endowed with the best qualities. The fulfillment of life comes naturally for him.