________________
THE BIRTH OF A BEAUTIFUL HOME
143
organ that masters fear. Psyche can be of different complexities and, in this respect, it can be compared to a mirror globe that has more or less reflectors on its surface. A globe with less mirrors gives a simple image of reality whilst a globe with many mirrors gives a highly complex image of reality. It is obvious that a highly complex psyche is able to represent reality in a more sophisticated way, but on the other hand, it is also more prone to distorted images of reality.
A strong distortion of reality can lead to a state in which temporarily the psyche does not perform its basic functions and fear is no longer digested correctly. A pathologically working psyche will not only sustain distortions of reality but also intensify them, so that help from outside is necessary (psychoanalysis) to re-enable the psyche to sanely digest fear again. As a consequence of this help, distortion of reality (that always happens because of fear) can be abolished little by little.
Superficially, it seems paradoxical that the psyche is constructed in a way so as to primarily store distorted images of reality, but it is only under these conditions that the consciousness is needed and developed. Consciousness is capable of discovering discrepancies between memories and reality and capable of correcting the distortions of reality with the help of the mind.
After the mind and the psyche, the next important factor is sacraments (samskaras). They are the retention of the effects of past deeds. In other words, retained memories become samskaras. Samskaras are responsible for conducting the course of life. From the subconscious level, these memories rise to the forefront and affect behaviour. Samskaras also result in biased attitudes. Biased attitudes precipitated as prejudices are the greatest impediments in the congeniality and concordance of family life. A husband's
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
