________________
2. Association
Association
A single drop of water falling from the clouds gets dried up on the way or it is swallowed up by the thirsty earth. It can neither flow itself nor make others flow along with it. The power to flow and make others flow with it is contained in the river or the stream which is a collection of millions of drops of water. Therefore we come to the conclusion that the centre of power and strength is not the individual but the association.
Imagine one single tree in a huge desert spread over thousands of mịles. Further imagine the tree to have one single branch, and the branch one single leaf. How will the tree look then ? Really bad indeed. Then imagine a huge garden having thousands of trees in it, and every tree blooming and blossoming. How will the garden look ? All beautiful indeed. From there we conclude that the centre of beauty is not the individual but the group or association.
Light Comes from Light
If you want to be enlightened, go to the shelter of him who is himself enlightened and take advantage of his help, guidance and assoiation. Think of an earthen lamp. It is
132
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
