$JES 203 First Step of Jainism Level 2 Book

Author(s): JAINA Education Committee
Publisher: JAINA Education Committee

Page 84

DECEIT/HONESTY
5.3 Deceit/Honesty
thoughts, to say what you think and to do what you say. When thoughts, words and deeds become one a person's character becomes strong and unshakable. To live a life of truth:
Honesty means always speaking the truth. Honesty means not taking things that do not belong to us. Some people lie, cheat or steal to get away from difficult situations or people. When people do that and are caught they feel ashamed. If they are not caught they are always scared of being found out and they feel guilty. For example, you go to school without doing your homework and the teacher asks you if it is done. If you lie you are worried about what will happen if the teacher finds out. There is a feeling of shame and sadness in dishonesty. Instead, if you are honest and you admit it is not done, the teacher may get angry and upset, but would be happy to see that you are an honest person. You can apologize and do your homework the next day.
Being honest is being truthful in thoughts, words and deeds. You have to have good
1 We should make sure our thoughts are
good. Always have good and happy thoughts. Forgive the faults of others and remember that no one is perfect, including us. Give other persons the
benefit of doubt. 2 Say what you think. Never think one thing and say something else. Nevertheless, while speaking the truth always remember to say it in a polite manner without hurting anyone. Prefer to remain quiet if your speech, though honest, may hurt
others. 3 Do what you say.
Keep your word. Keep your promises. If you say you will do something, even if it is a small thing, you should do it. You should be the same in your thoughts and your actions. If you are transparent like that you will be happy
and at peace. A person who speaks the truth is trusted and loved by others. Everyone likes to be friends with a truthful person. However, a person who lies slowly loses all his friends because nobody likes or trusts a person who tells things that are not true.
Did you know? Mahävir-swämi taught us to live
a transparent life, with no discrepancy between our thoughts, words
and actions!
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THE FIRST STEP OF JAINISM
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