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## 95
**Fourth Study: Pratikraman**
"Matthaena Vandami" means "I bow my head in reverence." This is a form of verbal veneration, therefore, there is no repetition error as it indicates the nature of mental, verbal, and physical veneration.
According to Jainism, ego is the cause of bondage of the lower-caste karma, and humility leads to the bondage of the higher-caste karma. Therefore, those who are humble, respect elders, and hold a reverent attitude towards the virtuous are the highest and the best. Jainism is a worshipper of virtues. In Jainism, humility and modesty are called penance. It is said, "Vinayo Jinasaasanamulam," "Vinayamolo Dhammo."
Humility is the root of the Jain teachings, humility is the root of Dharma.
The Dashavaikalik Sutra also praises the virtue of humility. In the study of humility, it is said using the metaphor of a tree:
"Khandhao Paccha Samuventi Saaha. Tao Se Pushpancha Phalam Raso Ya. Mulam Paramo Se Mokkho. Kitti Suyam Sigdham, Nisssansam Chaabhigacchai."
"Just as from the root of a tree, the trunk, from the trunk the branches, from the branches the sub-branches, and then in order, leaves, flowers, fruits, and juice are produced, in the same way, the root of the Dharma tree is humility, and its final fruit and juice is liberation."
"Vinayo Saasane Mulam, Vinio Sanjao Bhawe. Vinayaou Vippamukkasssa, Kao Dhammo Kao Tavo."
The root of the Jain teachings is humility. Only a humble seeker can be a true ascetic. What is the Dharma and what is the penance of one who is devoid of humility?
The ego, arrogance, and lack of discipline of a disciple make the Guru's mind unhappy. The Uttaradhyayanasutra states:
"Ramae Pandie Saasan, Hayam Bhaddam Va Vahaae. Balam Sammai Saasantho, Galiyassan Va Vahaae."
"Just as the teacher of a good horse is happy, so too, the Guru is happy in teaching humble disciples. But the teacher of a bad horse and the Guru of an undisciplined disciple are unhappy."
Humility is a beautiful ornament of human life. It makes a person's virtues fragrant. Humility...