Body Quote by Dada Bhagwan
““What is considered as a vow (vrat)? For this Dada [Gnani Purush], the five mahavrats (great vows of truth, non-possessiveness, non-violence, non-stealing, and celibacy as expounded by Lord Mahavir) prevail at all times! He lives in wordly life yet He prevails in the mahavrats, what must that be like? One in whom pudgal pariniti (the belief that 'I am doing' in what are the results of the non-Self) does not arise at all! Where there is mahavrat, there is no pudgal pariniti. And where there is anuvrat (observance of minor religious vows), there to a certain extent, pudgal pariniti is present and to certain extent, it has also decreased!””
About This Quote
Source Lecture: Spiritual Discourse, 1998
Great vows of truth and non-attachment prevent self-centered identity, while minor vows allow some ego.
In simple terms: Strict vows eliminate ego; minor vows reduce it.
Practice higher vows for selflessness.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- Daily meditation
- ethical decision making
- community service
- personal reflection
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- Can one embody high vows without isolation?
- How do minor vows support spiritual growth?
Strict vows may be hard to maintain in modern life.