Jain Study Center NC Raleigh 1999 08 Twenty Years

SR No.: 528542
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Jain Study Center NC Raleigh
Publisher: USA Jain Study Center NC Raleigh
Publication Year: 1999
Total Pages: 122
Language: English
Classification: Magazine, USA_Souvenir Jain Center NC Raleigh, & USA
File Size: 15 MB

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SHARING MY PERSONAL PHILOSOPHY
by Renuka K. Mehta
For many of us, the Jain Study Center has become like a family. Just as we share our philosophy with our families, I'd like to share on this twentieth anniversary of our Jain group – my thoughts on life and how to live it. I believe that we are happy or unhappy in life because we choose to be. According to me, there are five rules to follow, which can make it more simple and easy. These five rules have contributed greatly to my happiness.
1. Learn to Forgive:
One of the very first things a person needs to learn to do in life is to forgive. Sooner or later everyone gets hurt. Hurt can make you bitter or better. It can fill your life with anger, resentment, and self-pity; or it can make you a more mature, loving, patient and caring person than before. It all depends on how you respond to injury when it is received. One day a friend advised me to take a good look at what I was becoming. This revelation drove me to my knees, not to seek revenge, but to find healing and release. When I finally told god that I was forgiving those who had wronged me, whether they even asked for it or not, my wounded heart began to heal.
All too often people spend days, months, and years licking old wounds which never healed, but one experience with it was enough for me. I learned to accept injury, take loss, forgive offenders and to go on. When one learns to do this, he finds he is a better person than before. Can it be done? Indeed it must be done. God's willingness to forgive us is tied to our willingness to forgive others. Forgive others who hurt you, whether they ask for it or not. This will go a long way in making your life happy.
2. Adjust to Your Situation:
If you find yourself in a situation you cannot change, but which you do not like, learn to adjust to the situation. We all find situations we can kick against and stew about, but it only makes things worse. We should never compromise our values or convictions, to be sure, but as far as possible we should learn to adjust our attitudes to fit situations we don't like.
3. Learn to Get at the Root of Things:
Snap judgement and ready answers are easy to come by. It takes a lot more effort to get at the heart of things. We need to learn to think, to look at problems from all sides, to approach things with open minds, and to seek the counsel of others. Making snap judgements without exposing ourselves to all of the facts can be a big mistake. Be totally honest with yourself. Learn to get at the root of things. This will keep you from making costly mistakes.
4. Don't Retaliate:
Don't try to get even when you get hurt. "Vengeance is mine; I'll repay." Saith the god. If you have been injured and feel justified in seeking reprisal, do it through legal means. Learn to accept loss, and to let god settle your grievances.
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