ISJS Jainism Study Notes E5 Vol 02

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

Page 301

INTERNATION
SCHOOL
OF
SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY
WIN STUDIES
Ousadhidana (Medicine): Medical care of the poor can be taken in any form. These days there are free medical check ups. Almost all the hospitals and famous surgeons arrange for operations and other things. In Jaipur, you have seen the charity homes for the handicapped and polio affected people.
Abhayadāna (To make one fearless): It is but natural for a person to be worried about himself for food, health and education. One is always under the fear of uncertainty. The arrangement for ones living being made, he leads a fearless life and his mind works properly.
We should remember that the state alone can not do all the welfare. Individuals, philanthropists, munificent and compassionate people have done more all over the world than the government. So keep in mind to do always a charitable work and deliver any good to the needy.
Uttama Akincanya (Non-attachment)
Uttama Akiñcanya, means I am something, I am great, I am the doer, 'I' (this sort of pride brings downfall of a person). One must shun hoarding and should develop thinking that nothing belongs to him and nothing is needed. There should be no pleasure in possessions and no pain in loss of it such ideas cause solace and serenity to a person and thus in this position he can contemplate upon self with mental peace.
Gītā says, "It is the foolishness of a person that he thinks that he is the doer of this thing" (Ahankara vimudhata kartahoti manyate). When a man has destroyed his pride, he becomes a saint, a great thinker and his path towards liberation becomes perfect.
The great Indian king Harșa, after every five years, donated his wealth and even passed over his ornaments and clothes. Donations exalt a person and bring peace in the world.
Pride is of different kind's public position, wealth, scholarship, beauty, relatives, high family status and so on. One may be proud of even small things. But all these things are meant for hatred, disputes and social evils. For a proper co-existence we must not be false proud or have anything wrong with anyone.
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STUDY NOTES version 5.0