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I am the Soul
knowledge! And whither the lowest state of Nigoda with only the shruta knowledge equal to an infinite fraction of a letter! That too for an infinite period of time!
Another cause for binding in Mahamohaniya Karma is said to be the act of effecting a split in the four-fold order of the society. Some people enjoy causing a rift within the Householders' society, the Sangha, by splitting the unity that exists among them. In doing so they flatter their ego. They believe - “You see, How clever I am! I struck but once and managed the split.” Such people are experts in causing disputes and ruptures in the society. But this does not raise their status, it pulls them lower on the contrary.
Brothers! Do think. In the bygone days - and I do not refer to a very old period, say just a 50 or 100 years ago - the grouping of our society used to be called a Mahajan. Every member thereof used to be called a Mahajan. His word used to carry a lot of weight and if a King were going wrong he could even go over to the King and say, “O King! This is not right. It should not be allowed," and the King would have to agree. The acceptance showed the respect that was reserved for a Mahajan. But today the Mahajan organisations are all broken up. The foremost thing is that the sort of noble conduct that is desirable is not to be found anymore. Principles, justice and trustworthiness are to be found no more. The self-respect of being a Jain is missing. There are disputes galore within the community.
Pardon me, Brothers! But today the feeling of hate that has peaked in the religious institutions can be matched by none other. Matters have even gone to the courts. What dirty politics is being played! How poisoned the minds get because of this! Behind all these problems is the handiwork of the ego that lies within us! Whatever happens is for the flattering of the ego. Everybody wants to flatter one's own ego and when that becomes difficult there is a clash of egos. Sparks fly, and then the fire.
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