________________
28 PRACTICAL RULES FOR SOUL-CULTURE universe is created which does not in a measure affect others. The good of the humanity and of the universe depends therefore on individual thoughts and acts.
The second virtue that I mentioned is Pramoda, which means gladness at the prosperity of others. So long as we have not recognized the soul, we live on the emotional and passional plane. And so long as we live a life of inharmony, we fatten ourselves on the belongings of others, and copetition and jealousy will be the natural outcome. And there will be a constant desire to live at the sacrifice of other beings. This system of life creates inharmony in the universe, and every act done by us, or thought harboured by us is sure to rebound on us with equal force. Such a life can never lead us to the ultimate goal of harmony and happiness. Therefore whenever we hear of the prosperity of others, the thought in the mind must be that of genuine sincere gladness and in no way of jealousy.
The third virtue is Karuna which means compassion for the sufferings of others. In the path of evolution from the lowest condition to the present condition we have been sufficiently of the material and animal nature ; in our greed and passion we have hardened our hearts sufficiently; now it is time to soften our hearts. And how can we do it unless by sympathising with our fellow-beings and doing for their good as much as lies in our power. This virtue restores the -equlibrium that has been disturbed by the greed and passion of man.
The fourth virtue is that of overlooking and forgiving
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
