________________
170
simply be glad of that. The third thought is con-- passion. If we see a person or any being in a miserable condition let us have some pity for hiin, have compassion for him, sympathize with him, but never think he ought to suffer, because it is a just punishment. Of course it is just that he should suffer, but we ought not to send any vibrations except those of sympathy, for that would inake our own nature hard and crued. The fourth thought is indifference. That is a very dubious word. Of course we ought not to be indifferent in a certain way, but we should be indifferent to the faults of other people. Our business ought not to be to find fault with any other person; with regard to that fault we should only say that he has that fault and it would be well if he sould improve his fault ; but never try to make that fault greater and greater. Be charitable with regard to this, as Jesus was in the case of the wonian who was taken in adultery. When we think that a certain per:on is guilty and that his judgment is left to us, always think that he is to be raised and not lowered. Avoid temptation even in thought. These four rules have always been taught to us; there is no hope of progress even until these four thoughts become parnanent in our minds. This state is a mental state, but when we come into contact with: other people we have to act towards them, therr something practical comes in; then comes in the moral nature. Morality is not to be practised only
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org