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Chapter Adoration of Virtues
The 12th attribute for being truly religious consists of the ability to adore the wholesome attributes of others. We have been used to seeing the faults of others and hence find it hard to appreciate their virtues. One who is religious, would appreciate the wholesome attributes of others and try to cultivate the same in his life. Such insight is comparable to the skill of a jeweler, who can test diamonds, pearls, etc. and assess their values. Adoring the attributes of others can also induce us to adopt those attributes.
In the heavenly assembly, it was once pointed out that those who adore the attributes of others, are great and that Lord Krishna was an outstanding example thereof. One heavenly being was skeptical about it. In order to make sure, he took the form of a wretched dog and lay on the way by which Lord Krishna was to pass. Everyone who passed by that way was shuddered to see its rotten and stinking body, moth-eaten ears etc. and turned away the face. When Lord Krishna passed by, instead of turning away his face, he looked at the dog's teeth and admired the same. Thereupon the heavenly being assumed his real form and said, “Lord, everyone looked at the rotten state of my body; you are the only one to notice the beautiful teeth; my sincere obeisance to you”.
We have to spend a few years in this world. Out of twenty-four
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