________________
"The nature of the soul is like that of a hollow gourd, i. e. it keeps afloat. But when this hollow gourd is given several coats of clay, then, even though its inherent capa. city is to keep afloat, it will sink...
- Similarly, a soul coated, with violence, falsehood, dishonesty, intemperance, anger, pride, hypocrisy and greed becomes heavy; despite its original virtue to keep afloat, it sinks to the bottom..
But when the layers on the gourd peel off one after another, it will gradually recover its natural tendency to keep afloat. So, too the soul. Were it to get rid of the eight vices by acquiring eight corresponding virtues-nonviolence, truth, honesty, temperance, forgivness, modesty, sincerity and generosity, it could unburden itself and regain its natural virtues of lightness and volatitity.”
Having explained the four pillars of Jain philosophy I shall now get back to the prayer in which I have asked our conduct to be guided by Amity, Appreciation, Compassion and Equanimity.
By Amity we mean attainment of a mentality which would want to be friendly with and bear goodwill towards one and all.
16
