________________
ASPIRANT'S GUIDE his vision widens, he looks upon all living beings similar to his own, he loses his interest in achieving a high social status or position of power and so on. With the rise of this rational and discriminating view, he agrees to the words of saints :
"It is difficult to be known as a servant, but I am servant, a servant of the servant ! I now cherish the desire to be like the grass which gets trampled beneath the feet !"
Let us now see the ultimate spiritual reward of the development of humility. Only the humble can honor and worship
saints repeatedly and methodically. If one is lucky enough to associate with a true saint, and if the latter is convinced that his devotee deserves it, one will receive self-knowledge. When one ponders over this divine knowledge repeatedly, one is able to cultivate the power to climb up the ladder leading to true philosophical thinking.
As a result of this, the Sadhaka attains to self-realization and becomes a saint. This proves that the highest philosophical and spiritual reward can he attained by the development of this virtue called humility.
Let us grasp through the study of authentic scriptures, and through the guidance of the preceptor, the numerous types of humility : • humility of true knowledge (Jnana-vinaya), • humility of true vision (Darsana-vinaya), • humility of true conduct (Charitra-vinaya) • humility pertaining to the greatness of Acharyas and other
great people not comprehensible directly by us at present (Upachara-vinaya).
Let us develop this great and fundamental virtue in its right earnestness.
GLORY OF HUMILITY 1. The first test of a person's real greatness is the humility he has acquired. 2. As we further our advancement in humility, we move nearer towards the peak of greatness. 3. By humility, we can win many things, yet it costs us nothing. 4. Through humility, loving conduct and a spirit of tolerance, all 80
SADHAK-SATHI Jain Education International For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org