________________
Make sure our actions are not harsh. Stay constantly aware that we do not want to hurt our friends. We want to support and protect them. Be tolerant and have sense of caring and sharing. Remain careful in walking, talking, thinking or doing anything so as not to inflict the slightest hurt, pain, and insult to any living being, inclusive of human beings, animals, insects etc. Avoid instant reaction. Instead, wait and think of amity. Reaction is not the nature of soul. Bhagawan Mahävir said if you want to react, react with Pramod (praise, adoration and respect) Bhävanä. Stay away from adverse feelings like "He/she is my enemy or adversary, he/she inflicts pain on me, he/she insults me, he/she is not on my side, and so on". If one cherishes such adverse feelings directly or indirectly, a sense of friendliness cannot be developed. We should accept even the adverse situations as resulting from our own Karma rather than reacting to them adversely. We should make an effort to avoid the recurrence of such situations. Acquire right knowledge, guidance from the right Guru and/or from the right religious books. Avoid the narrow mentality that may be prevalent / persisting in our family, caste, creed, sect, gender, color or society. Let us show real affection and regard for all human beings and creatures as we have for ourselves. Develop close association with people who have cultivated these virtues. Observe the virtue and its impact on the daily life of the virtuous person with an open mind. This will develop an inclination towards these virtues. Endeavor to cultivate the same virtues in your life. Stay aware, practice & have patience Contemplate in your conscious mind on the virtue of Maitri that "A feeling of hatred generates fear, and weakens the body and mind. Therefore, I must develop the virtue of Maitri. When one expresses hatred in thought, speech or action, his/her happiness is destroyed. To develop and enhance my own happiness, I must develop the virtue of Maitri, universal friendship." Pray sincerely, daily or as often as possible: Khämemi Savvajive
I forgive all living beings Savve Jivä Khamantu Me May all living beings forgive me. Mitti Me Savva Bhuesu I have friendship with all beings Veram Majjha Na Kenai I have no animosity towards anyone
JAIN PHILOSOPHY AND PRACTICE - 2
105
