Essence of Jainism Part 02

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

Page 64

Lord Neminath refused to marry Rajimati when he heard the wailing cries of beasts specifically caught for slaughter for the marriage feast. He left in Chariot the marriage place, moved by compassion for the trapped animals.
Shri Shantinath Bhagvan pitied the dove and protected its life. Lord Parshwanath preserved equanimity and friendliness even when severely tortured by Meghmali. Meghkumar kept his foot suspended in air for 2.5 days, lest the hare resting under his feet, be crushed. If we, therefore, meditate on the deeds of these great men and perform some good actions, we shall get real happiness.
The life of the Lord is likened to a mirror. Looking into it, we should see reflection of our ownselves in order to spot and remove our faults and to learn to cultivate friendliness to all creatures. Becoming as pure as He was in life must be a goal to guide us when we worship Him.
(2) PRAMOD BHAVANA (CHEERFULNESS) :
Praise the contentment of a meritorious person. Be pleased with his truthfulness; rejoice in his generosity and be happy at his courteous behaviour. Unfortunately, jealousy being like a second nature to us, we cannot appreciate and speak, hear or see the good of others. We feel happy to hear the ill of others. In fact, we derive vicarious pleasure when we do fault-finding. This meanness degenerates us. It adds no merits, but only demerits.
The great saints, therefore, advise us," If you aspire to be virtuous, rejoice inthe virtues of noble persons. Reflect on good qualities they possess and you will no doubt develop the same merits".
To form good habits, please hear the good, speak the good and see the good. You will also earn merits.
To praise the good in others promotes in us the virtues. To rejoice in it (Pramod Bhavana) is a process of removing evil in us. To encourage and support good deeds of others means to add good qualities in us.
Kalavati entertained ill-will towards none though her chastity was doubted and her hands were chopped off in punishment by her thoughtless husband. Mayna Sundari was marreid off to a leper but she did not blame her father for unjustice to her. Dhaval Sheth
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