Essence of Jainism Part 02

Author(s): Kushalchandravijay
Publisher: 108 jain Tirth Darshan Trust

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drop of scent. Similarly, doing worship, Samayik and penance is not enough. To be pure at heart, it is necessary that intensity of feelings of attachment (Rag) and hate (Dwesh) must become lesser. Let us see why Four Bhavanas or noble sentiments of Maitri etc. must be entertained by us every day.
A gardener digs a plot, which becomes soft when watered. He Sows seeds and with air, water and light being in right proportions, seeds sprout and plants grow. Tender plants are guarded by him raising a hedge around it. When these grow into strong trees, he gets the fruits.
Likewise, a potter brings clay by digging the earth, then he adds water to it and makes it soft and puts it on the moving wheel to fashion pots and other earthen vessels as per his choice.
A physician digonises a disease, gives purgative for cleaning the bowels and asks his patient to abstain from certain foods. He administers the medicine at regular intervals and in course of time, the patient gets cured.
A goldsmith heats gold for purifying it. He patiently hammers it in order to shape it into required ornament. This is how we get beautiful ornaments.
If we want to get a wall painted, it has to be scraphed well to get rid of the old layers of paints, before it is painted anew to make the house pleasing to the eye. A wall needs to be rubbed and cleaned before drawing pictures that attract attention.
Our heart is full of filth of attachment and hatred. New filth is entering into it constantly. Hence, inspite of the religious practices we adopt, no change is perceived in us. No fragrance is added to our life in the absence of four noble sentiments. Besides, cleansing action and due care are necessary for achieving expected results in all our deeds pertaining to religion, but how shall we start the process ?
Adopt Four Ways of Purifying Heart : (1) Avoid speaking ill of others. (2) Praise the virtues of good persons (3) Don't be cowed down in troubles. (4) Be humble in prosperity.
We should try to improve our present life to make it worth living. His Holiness Shri Umaswati Maharaj says in his 'Tattwarth
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