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Mahavira & Pathway to Liberation / 29
5.
Four Things Difficult to Obtain
Difficult it is to obtain four things of paramount value by a living being human birth, listening to the holy scriptures, to have faith in them and endeavour to practise self-restraint. Sometimes the living beings go to heaven, sometimes to hell and sometimes they become demons in accordance with their karma. Even after obtaining a human body, it is difficult to listen to the holy scriptures. It is also difficult to practise austerity, forgiveness and non-violence. It is extremely difficult to cultivate faith in holy scriptures. Many people despite knowing the right path still go astray. Many people have faith in religion but still they do not practise it. An ascetic should practise self-restraint and annihilate the karma completely. He who does not endeavour to tread the path of righteousness in this birth, repents at the time of death. A person who carelessly wastes human life which is most difficult to acquire, is really not a wise person. Ascetics who sincerely pursue knowledge, faith, good conduct and humility are most superior in this world.
