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"Mahavir asked himself, 'Am I holding anything in my consciousness which could cause pain to another? If so, let me uproot it.' He found that what causes pain to another causes pain to oneself, and that what gives peace to another gives peace to oneself. He did not want anyone to adhere blindly to tradition, but rather, to think for himself and be aware of the right focus in each situation. That focus was this: Is it helping or harming? To respect people's sincere feelings and nourish the seed of divinity, isn't this the way to help life? To follow custom without regard for someone else's feeling, isn't this the way to harm life? Helping each other to grow, we help ourselves to grow."
Once the people caught a glimpse of this purpose, they became eager and willing to make the occasion an auspicious one. In the humble huts, the poor people of a traditionally low social caste revealed themselves to be inwardly rich and generous. Their offering turned into a joyous feast. It gave them deep satisfaction to be able to honor Gurudev and his father and to distribute to the wealthy Jains the traditional good-omen gifts of coconuts. The monks in turn gave them their benediction and blessed their homes.
For many of the Jains, the heart of Mahavir's teaching came to life for the first time. They were unexpectedly captivated by the bubbling joy and genuine feeling shown by these simple honest people. Through such a unique gathering, the potters themselves gained a fresh sense of self-esteem and self-appreciation which proved to be a meaningful impetus for their continued spiritual growth.
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Living Examples
Gurudev spent many hours cheering the sick, and bringing peace and solace to people everywhere he went. He observed that when volition was lacking, the person's body began to
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