________________
37
interpret and understand rationally the apparent injustice and inequalities of the world.
The fourth sacrifice is to the animals. By protecting, feeding and taking care of animals we help their progress. On the ladder of evolution they occupy a lower step, but that does not justify us to destroy them. On the contrary, we owe a duty to them. They, as beasts of burden, have for ages been a constant and faithful aid to man in civilizing him self. Had it not been for the ox,"the borse, the camel and the elephant, mankind would have remained at a standstill. Had it not been for the sheep and goats, you and I could not have made ourselves warm by clothing made from their wool, and still how selfish must be those men and women who simply through force of babit and custom directly encourage the killing of these creatures and use their Hesh as food. Let them stop for a moment to think how ungrateful they are when they use animal flesh as food. If mankind has received so many benefits from tbe animal kingdom, let us return them by being kindly to them, by taking care and attending those that are suffering.
The fifth sacrifice that man has to perform is for himself-by devoting some time, energy and money for study aud spiritual benefit. It is the Higher Self of an individual that has made it possible to
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
