Book Title: ISJS Jainism Study Notes E5 Vol 02
Author(s): International School for Jain Studies
Publisher: International School for Jain Studies
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6. Supreme Restraint (Uttama Samayam) 7. Supreme Austerities (UttamaTapa) 8. Supreme Renunciation (UttamaTyāga) 9. Supreme Non Attachment, Not taking, The Non-self for other self (Uttama Akiñcanya) 10. Supreme Chastity (Uttama Brahamcarya).
Supreme Forgiveness (Uttama Kşamā) Forgiveness is the sign of greatness. Forgiving others is the ornament of man. All the misdeeds and misbehavior done by others are pierced with the arrow of forgiving. It leads to the peace of the mind and satisfaction. On the contrary, if instead of forgiving, we adopt anger, ill-will, hatred and rough attitude, we lose our own mental balance and suffer in vain. We should forgive others and taking the unpleasant happening as the result of own in auspicious deeds. Forgiving is the ornament of brave and valiant. We must think that the ways that preserve our mental balance, peace and harmony is better. If we take vengeance to heart, it leads to greater harm for ourselves.
During our daily life there are various stances when we are happy, sad and angry. While angry we loose our sense of peace may react violently. It is the worst type of moment which may lead to any physical, mental and vocal harm. So it is better to control over anger and forgives the one.
There is one very beautiful example of Lord Mahāvīra. After renouncing the world, the Lord reached Ujjain where he absorbed himself in austerity in the cremation ground. The people of that place misunderstood him that he was encroaching on their land. They hurled stones on him, beat with sticks but the lord was peaceful, silent and remained as it was in his penance. These people causing several injuries to the Lord were amazed at him and realized that he was a mendicant, paid obeisance to him and requested him to forgive them as they were ignorant. Realize, what world would have happened if the Lord had reacted upon. To face the situation calmly, one can turn tables even in great events.
There are several examples where ignoring the wrong doings of a person may help you, the person may feel ashamed and act wisely. Lord Pārsvanātha, as a child had angered a saint absorbed in his fire ritual by telling that he had offered a log in the fire which had the snake couple in it. He being annoyed by the child took out the log and while being opened, there
STUDY NOTES version 5.0
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