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STAND UP FOR WHAT YOU BELIEVE IN
Manish:
I did not want to make them mad. They would call me names, and I just hate being called names. Besides, I wouldn't have any friends.
Rita:
Well, if you cheat, you will be in big trouble.
Manish:
I wouldn't be cheating, only the others would be.
Rita:
That's not true. Helping them on the test is not being honest, which makes you a cheater too. Doing it yourself, allowing others to do it, and encouraging them to do it even if you are not involved - all three are wrong. That's dishonest, and you will get bad karmas.
Manish:
What should I do?
Rita:
You know what to do. You need to stand up for what you believe in.
Manish:
Even if they call me all kinds of names that I don't like?
Rita:
They will do that for a little while, but soon they will forget it. They might even respect you for doing the right thing.
Manish:
I've got an idea! I'll invite them to my house to study, and then they won't have to cheat. They can get good grades on their own without having to cheat..
Rita:
See, you answered your own question. Great!
Manish:
Now, I can stop worrying.
Rita:
How does worrying solve problems?
Manish:
Well, I guess it doesn't. The best answer is to stand up for what is right, and always follow the Jain principles we have learnt, even if we have to face the consequences. We should follow the principles all the time, and not only when it is convenient to us.
Rita:
I agree with that.
JAIN MORAL SKITS
77
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