The Dhaarmik Traditions - Indic Studies Foundation

Brahma (PrajApati) said: All actions end in destruction, and all that is born is certain to
meet with death. Every mobile and immobile thing in this world is transient. Days end
with the sun's setting and Nights with the sun's rising. The end of pleasure is always
sorrow, and the end of sorrow is always pleasure. All accumulations have exhaustion
for their end, and all ascents have falls for their end. All associations have
dissociations for their end, and life has death for its end. Sacrifice, gift, penances,
study, vows, observances, - all these have destruction for their end. Of Knowledge,
there is no end. Hence, one that is possessed of a tranquil soul, that has subjugated
his senses, that is freed from the sense of me-ness, that which is devoid of egoism, is
released from all sins by pure knowledge.
From Vivekachudamani of Shankaracharya
Verses 11 & 10
Work leads to purification of the mind, not to perception of the Reality.
The realization of Truth is brought about by discrimination and not in the least by ten
millions of acts. 11.
[Note: Comments by Swami Madhavananda,
Advaita Ashrama, Mayavati, Himalayas:
The idea is that works prescribed by the scriptures, when properly done, cleanse the
mind of its impurities. Then the Truth flashes of itself.]
Let the wise and erudite man, having commenced the practice of the realization of the
Atman (Self) give up all works and try to cut loose all bonds of birth and death. 10.
[Note: Comments by Swami Madhavananda: "All works" = All works done with motive,
including the good ones prescribed in the scriptures and those that are evil, which
men do prompted by their own nature.]
From The Mahabharata
Aswamedha Parva, Section XXXI
Translated by Sri Kisari Mohan Ganguli
The Brahmana said: There are three foes in this world. They are said to be nine fold,
agreeably to their qualities.
Exultation, satisfaction and joy; these three qualities appertain to Goodness (Sattva).
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