धर्म : निर्विशेषमनस्काय

Summary

The text explores the nature of true religiosity, arguing that it is not found in rituals, scriptures, or sermons alone, but in the mastery of one's own mind, desires, and breath. It posits that truth and religion are inseparable, and that living truthfully frees one from attachment to life and fear of death. The cycle of day and night is presented as a natural metaphor for the inseparability of life and death; fearing death stems from attachment to possessions, relationships, and unfulfilled ambitions. The text emphasizes that the art of dying well is more important than the art of living, as taught by Mahavira. A person who has learned to face death with equanimity can live without constant anxiety. The discussion then addresses the common question of why both religious and non-religious people suffer. It clarifies that karma's results must be experienced by everyone. The key difference is not the presence or absence of suffering, but the response to it. A truly religious person endures hardship with equanimity, balance, and even acceptance, without losing peace. In contrast, the non-religious person is overwhelmed, becoming distressed and losing composure. This difference is attributed to the development of equanimity versus attachment. The text concludes that the function of religion is to purify the mind and transform consciousness, not to alter one's destiny or fate. It cites the teachings of Acharya Bhikshu, who defined religion as the process of stopping and shedding karmas.