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Jainism in a Global Perspective
acts which matter more than the acts themselves. Therefore, practicing this mental discipline will purify your intentions.
Satyam (Truthfulness)
The third principle is Satyam or truthfulness, a value of life to be lived at the intellectual plane. Satyam enjoins that one whould live honestly with one's own intellectual convictions.
Everyone of us has ideals of his own, but only a few live up to them. We are led to compromise with our ideals when temptations induce us and we fall a prey to our senses. This is asatyam or dishonest living. The dignity of man lies in living up to his own convictions at all times.
Asteya (Non-stealing)
Refrain from taking that for which we are not entitled to. By stealing, we are not only depriving other people of what is lawfully theirs, but we are also adding to our own bad karmas, the price of which we will. undoubtedly have to pay due to the operation of the Law of Karma. Once again question your intentions?
On the one hand, a poor person may steal a loaf of bread to feed his starving family of six.
On the other hand, a well-fed boy, driven by the desire of sensegratification may steal a sweet.
The intentions of the poor man were much more noble than the boy's. Far from wanting to fill his own stomach, his intention was to feed his wife and children, and hence he is much closer to being a Jaina than the boy, the boy having no real need of the sweet.
Aparigraha (Non-acquisition/possession)
As already explained, material accumulation can only bring temporary, fleeting satisfaction. Acquisition brings with it additional problems. In order to safeguard what has been acquired, you will have to install a security system, which will bring extra expense, and that means that you are confronted by more stress and tension, arising from the need to work harder. Eventually, you may find that your mind would be at greater peace if you had fewer possessions.
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