मोह छोड़ो

Summary

The text discusses the concept of moha (delusion/attachment) as a spiritual obstacle, comparing it to a king with soldiers named ego and possessiveness. Ego makes a person arrogant and indifferent to others, similar to intoxication. Drawing from the Bhagavad Gita (12:52), it states that when the intellect transcends the mire of moha, one attains detachment from worldly pleasures. Moha is described as a quagmire, illustrated by a story from the Dashavaikalika Sutra about a monk who leaves monastic life for family, becoming trapped like an elephant in mud, later regretting his decision. Acharya Jayacharya’s song advises staying in the spiritual garden (nandanavana) even at the cost of life, warning against leaving it due to emotional impulses. Acharya Bhikshu’s teaching emphasizes that purity of yoga (mind, speech, body) is maintained when free from karmic attachment, while moha pollutes consciousness. Both the Gita and the Uttaradhyayana Sutra link ignorance and moha, stating that eliminating them leads to liberation (moksha), a state of solitary bliss. The text contrasts attachment (asakti) with detachment (virakti), urging a gradual shift from the former to the latter. It advises practicing non-attachment even within family life, like a wet nurse caring for a child without ownership. Moha manifests in various forms—anger, ego, lust, and possessiveness—leading to dishonesty and greed. While fully overcoming moha is difficult, one should aim to reduce its intensity, moving from intense passions (krodha, mana, maya, lobha) to milder states. Consistent effort will eventually allow one to transcend moha, fulfilling the teachings of both the Gita and the Uttaradhyayana.