Glimpses Of World Religions

Author(s): Gunvant Barvalia
Publisher: Navbharat Sahitya Mandir

Page 85

Glimpses of World Religions
hurt, (2) Not telling lies (3) Non-stealing, (4) Non-adultery, (5) Not to take intoxicating drugs, (6) Not to take meals at improper hours, (7) Not to use garlands of flowers or scents and fragrant sprays, (8) Not to see or to relish listening to songs and dances, (9) to reject gold or silver, and (10) Not to use luxurious, costly beds or seats.
These sheels or codes of conduct are not merely of negative commandments; they are positive too. Ahinsa or nonviolence does not merely mean non-killing; but it speaks of the development of compassion, fellow-feeling or friendship, Muditā and Neglect and to put them into practice. Four noble attempts to realise Brahma or Brahmavihari
Enlisting, in all, 40 means, there is a discussion of four Brahmavihārs also. The noble feelings or sentiments of fellow-feeling (Maitree), compassion, Mudita and Neglect - these four themselves alone constitute what is called ‘Brahmavihar'. These four, moreover, are the most superior and divine states of mind. These four are the best means of mind-purification. This effort for the realisation of Brahma (or Brahmavihar) also guides us as to what type of practical approach we should have towards living beings. Those who entertain the feelings of the said Brahmavihar always nourish in their minds the good wishes of the good and happiness of all creatures, and try to remove the ills of others. He feels delight on seeing a person of a superior status, and keeps equal love towards all the living beings; the devotees or providers of others' happiness are these four Brahmavihars only. On one side, they lead a meditator to spiritual progress, and on other side, they help accomplishing a social good or welfare. These Brahmaviharas, in short, are capable of upbringing a scoiety's well-being along with an individual's welfare.