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350
- Tattvarthasutra
When something comes up, one should think like this: In the case of a child, this is how things are; it behaves according to its nature, and does not act specially. It comes forward to contend, but does not strike, which should be considered a gain. In the same way, if someone strikes, one should regard it as a favor for not causing harm to life, and if someone does cause harm to life, one should think of their compassion in light of not being able to conduct themselves in a righteous manner. As difficulties increase, one should develop greater generosity and discerning qualities to consider the present trouble as trivial; this is the contemplation of childlike nature. (5) When someone gets angry, one should think that in this instance, the other person is merely an instrument; the actual situation is the result of my own past karmas; this reflects on the karmas done by one’s father. (4) When someone gets angry, one should reflect that practicing forgiveness brings tranquility to the mind; and the energy that would be spent on retaliation or revenge can be conserved and utilized for righteous conduct; this is the contemplation of the virtues of forgiveness.
2. Softness of mind and humility in external conduct is "mārdava." To obtain this virtue, one should not be tainted by pride regarding one's lineage, family, appearance, wealth, intellect, or prowess, and one should consider the transience of these things and remove the thorn of ego from the mind. 3. The purity of intention—that is, the unity of thought, speech, and action—is "ārjava." In order to cultivate this, one must avoid thinking with malice. 4. The means of dharma.