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DEVA-VANI.
Extracts from the writings and speeches of B. Deo Kumar. Collected by Prof. Dinendra Chand Jain M, Com.
[Shree Deo Kumarji was gifted with a remarkable sense of values and a prophetic insight into philosophy. He combined in himself the spirit of a social reformer and the vision of a prophet His learned essays and editorial comments are a guide for the understanding of the philosophy of Jainism and throw light on matters relating to the welfare of Society. He edited the Jain Gazette right from the year 1895 to his last breath. His presidential address at the 12th Conference of the All India Digamber Mahasabha, which is full of religious, moral and philosophical ideas. helps us estimate his personality. Here are some of his reflections.
-Editor]
PHILOSOPHICAL IDEAS.
Samyaktwa (Right belief, etc)
Keeping firm belief in one's soul, leaving aside unspiritual actions and to be engrossed in spiritualism is Samyaktwa. No belief except Samyak Darshan can enlighten the soul. Right belief is the only boat to cross this ocean of worldly life. Unless this torch is in the hand, it is very difficult to steer safe through darkness and storm.
Self-confidence is very helpful for the progress of humanity. The real importance of life can be judged from self-confidence. If there is self-confidence, one can, without any effort, get rid of worldy passions and attachments. Soul is quite different from the body. It is structure-less, minute and a store-house of spiritual qualities like knowledge and philosophy. Because it is structureless, it can not be seen from the naked eyes. Merely the concrete body comes into vision. The soul residing within the body can be felt simply. by realisation When the vision becomes Samyak, soul is gradually realised. When there is some Mithyatwa or doubt, the body is mis. taken for the soul. No real work can be done by taking body as the soul, any better than can be expected from sand assumed as gold.
Principles of Karmas (Deeds)
The living beings themselves are the doers of Karmas (deeds)
