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JAIN FESTIVALS AND CELEBRATIONS
Kshama (forgiveness) Märdava (Humility) Arjava (straightforwardness) Shaucha (content - absence of greed) Satya (truth) Sanyam (restraint of all senses) Tapa (austerities) Tyag (charity) Äkinchan (non-possessiveness)
Brahmacharya (celibacy) These cardinal virtues are the inherent qualities of a soul. They are various forms of right conduct. The practice of observing these virtues is not limited to one particular religion or sect only. They belong to the universal faith. The results of observance of these virtues are equally beneficial to all mankind and not only to a follower of the Jain faith only.
01. Forgiveness (Kshamä): Kshama means forgiveness - forbearance. This means not to allow anger to rise and in case it does, then to render it ineffective through internal power. For cultivating forbearance, five ways have been suggested:
(a) by way of considering whether or not the cause of anger lies in oneself (b) by way of considering the harm that follow from an angry mood (c) by way of considering the childish nature of the offender concerned (d) by way of considering the whole affair to be a consequence of one's own past karma (e) by way of considering the merits of forbearance
Total lack of anger with a state of equanimity is defined as the supreme forgiveness. "Forgiveness is the virtue of the brave and not a coward"
"KSHAMÄ VIRASYA BHUSHANAM" Forgiveness is the virtue of the brave
Anger is the greatest enemy of the soul and it is the root of all evils. Real forgiveness comes from within, without any feelings of reward. To forgive because of respect for elders and upbringing is not the highest kind of forgiveness, it is merely good behavior.
02. Humility (Märdava): Lack of pride, selfishness or ego is humility. Pride is the attitude of a superiority complex. Flattery is the main cause of pride. To show humbleness because of poverty or weakness is meekness, lowliness and not a true humility. To accept what one is, is humility. A person should understand the difference between self-respect and pride and not confuse them.
03. Straightforwardness (Arjava): Lack of cunningness or a fraudulent attitude is defined as simplicity or straightforwardness. Only a weak person will resort to deceit, because he is afraid of being caught. To hide his
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JAIN PHILOSOPHY AND PRACTICE
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