822 A boat may remain in water, but if water enters the boat, it will bring great catastrophe. Likewise, a man may live in the world, but if the world enters the man, his whole life will be miserable.(1)
823 Only the pot that takes in water will drown in it; a log, which does not absorb water, will not. Similarly, only those who inwardly attach themselves to the world will be deluded while those who do not attach themselves to the world will not be deluded, even though they are engaged in worldly activities.
825 Instead of clinging to this wonderful but utterly false world for refuge and thereby drowning in it, it is wise to renounce it inwardly, like a shell of a tamarind fruit, and forget it totally. [As a tamarind fruit ripens, a space develops between the inner pulp and the outer pod.]
826 A heavy building raised on foundations that are not strongly built will collapse in devastation and disgrace. Therefore, it is essential from the very outset for aspirants who work hard to adhere strictly and at any cost to the preliminary observances. [The preliminary observances are: devotion and non-attachment.]
827 If one unceasingly and firmly clings to the true being and in this way achieves clarity, the attachments, which are superimposed appearances like the blueness of the sky, will of their own accord go away, leaving one pure.
(1) It is not the world itself but only the attachment towards the world that constitutes the bondage of mundane existence. Attachment is caused by the mind, and not by what is outside. No harm will befall one by merely living in the world. All miseries come into existence only because of one’s desire to enjoy the world.
Source: Unpublished translation of ‘Guru Vachaka Kovai’ by Sadhu Om and Michael James, quoted in ‘The Power of Presence Part Two’ by David Godman
Vriju, I had replied to Rose's post on Truth before reading this post.
How well these quotes demonstrate the power of the mind and will to either bind us or set us free. Non-attachment is the key that opens the door to the Absolute.
