ISJS Jainism Study Notes E5 Vol 02

Author(s): International School for Jain Studies
Publisher: International School for Jain Studies

Page 179

The huge Bernard Mad off scandal that came to light recently is an excellent example of how far greed and deception can push a person down. Mad off yielded to these negative emotions. He caused pain and suffering not only to himself but also to thousands of his fellow human beings.
Karmic consequences of deceptive behavior are horrendous. It is said in the scriptures that deceptive thoughts and behavior make one suffer not only in this life, but also cause one to be born as an animal in the next life. Since the root cause of deception is unlimited greed based upon ignorance, we need to step back and examine and correct our real character, motives, and goals in life.
The antidotes for deception are leading a simple life and maintaining a straightforward disposition. The "simple life" obviously entails harboring limited desires, which abrogates the need to resort to dishonest means. A straightforward person will act without a hidden agenda, have a much lighter karmic burden, and will live a more peaceful and serene life.
Greed Greed is the most powerful and dangerous of all emotions and is the most difficult to control. It provides fuel for the fires of anger, arrogance and deception and is therefore considered the father of all sins (evil activities). It can stay with a person even after the other three primary emotions are wiped out. According to the Jain scriptures, this emotion stays with a person all the way to one of the higher rungs of the spiritual ladder (10th Gunasthänak).
Gandhiji once said that there is enough in the world to satisfy every one's needs but not enough to satisfy every one's greed. Greed begets human desires; the greater the number of desires, the higher the mental turmoil and dissatisfaction. There is just no end to the craze and madness to seek more and more. The result is dissatisfaction, stress, tension and mental and health problems.
The cure prescribed the religion is CONTENTMENT, by limiting one's desires to a more reasonable level, and maintaining a balance between one's greed and needs.
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STUDY NOTES version 5.0