Compendium of Jainism

SR No.: 001202
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: T K Tukol, A N Upadhye
Publisher: Prasaranga Karnatak University Dharwar
Publication Year: 1980
Total Pages: 352
Language: English
Classification: Book_English & Philosophy
File Size: 17 MB

Page 257

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DASA-DHARMA
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becomes free from prejudices and dislikes and gains in purity of thought and action. It adds dignity to one's personality and enhances one's prestige.
Everything that spoils the purity of mind and thought is the result of bad Karma. So is pride. Therefore all efforts should be made to overcome that weakness and stop further sinning by proper self-evaluation. Humility is only one aspect of Right Faith; it is dawn of Right Knowledge which infuses the true vulues of life. A person with such knowledge would regard all objects as passing phases of worldly existence and would realise that there is no reason for being proud of any of them. None of them can conduce to his spiritual well-being or advancement. He would discard them as wasteful objects of material life retarding the progress of the soul. One should constantly endeavour to be free from all conceits and acquire such faith and knowledge as will bring about subsidence of accumlated Karmas.
3) Uttama Ārjava or Supreme straightforwardness
Uprightness in conduct is the hall mark of every good person. Every good man is consistent in his thoughts, words and deeds while the reverse is the case with a bad person. Consistency is a virtue and inconsistency is it vice. It is only a person of veracity that can practise true religion because religion requires him to be honest with himself and with others. To be straight-forward is to be free from cunning, duplicity, ambiguity and evasiveness in thoughts, words and deeds. “By simplicity he will become upright in actions, thoughts and speech and he will become veracious; and thereby he will practise the law” says Bhagavăn Mahāvira.
Straightforwardness in dealings is the key to success in worldly life. It evokes confidence and trust in others. It conduces, to clarity of intellect and purity of thought. It leads to honesty of purpose of thought and action. The mind of such a person will always be peaceful. He would not have any occasion for anger which is root cause of physical and mental ailments..
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