Page 98 - Courage Redifined

criticism of religion in his current birth. He began a journey
of deep remorse and regretted each and every sin done by
him. He despised his ego and his body which lead to such
grave sins. He developed a strong feeling of non-attachment
to temporary worldly objects including his body. Additionally,
he further progressed in the sentiments of Charitra and thus
eliminated all his worldly ties of attachment and hatred.
Eventually became a vitaraga sarvagya. He attained Kevalgyan
(omniscience).

Can such a hardcore atheist attain Kevalgyan ? Yes, only the
one who is prepared to cut the ties of love and hatred and
develop a feeling of non-attachment towards all worldly objects
including one's own body can attain Kevalgyan. Though he

was an atheist in the past and a criticizer of religion, but
he was ready to forsake his atheism and become a staunch
follower of religion. Then who can stop him ?

Just as an atheist will have to forsake his atheism to move
ahead, similarly we have to believe in the existence of God
and religion and resist our sensual temptations. We are still
enveloped by feelings of love and hatred. We can move ahead
only if we have the inner desire to forsake them. On self-
realization, the atheism Nastik deeply regretted his atheism.
Does our attraction to worldly pleasures, our vices like anger,
pride, etc. pinch us ? Do we regret our wrong acts ? Do we
whole-heartedly strive to cut down our attractions and vices ?
If no, then can we be called believers of God ? Atheists are
wrong and we are right. But what on basis can we say so ?
Here, the atheist eventually uprooted his negative thought
process completely and we do not even attempt to decrease
our worldly ties, then can we be called real and loyal believers
of God ? Can we accuse the atheist to be guilty ?

88 Courage Redefined