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Labha Labhe Suhe Dukkhe, Jeevie Marane Taha. Samo Ninda Pasansasu, Taha Manavamanao. "In loss or gain, in pleasure or pain, in death or life, Whether censured or praised, honored or disgraced. Yet equanimous remains a discreet."
Anissio Iham Loe, Parloe Anissio.
Vasi-cahndan-kappo Ya, Asane Anasane Taha. "Unattached to this world and the world hereafter,
Cut by a chisel or salved with sandal-paste,
Luxuriously fed or downright starved,
Not to lose one's poise in any extremity is the mark of equanimity."
On asking the meaning of dharma Mahaveer answered in Ayaro Sutra - Samaya Dhamma-mudahare. Dharma is nothing but equanimity. Equanimity is the journey from seed to seed. The cause of seed is the seed itself. When a seed is planted, the sprout comes out. Then, it grows into the tree - the trunk, the branches, the leaves, the flowers, and then the fruit and ultimately it produces seeds again. Likewise equanimity is both the means and the goal. Mahaveer practiced equanimity that grew into non-violence, non-lying, non-stealing, non-sexuality and non-possession, and eventually Mahaveer attained the universal equanimity in Him. To take the logic further, Equanimity and Ahimsa are two sides of the same coin.
Bhagwan Mahaveer gave a simple formula to start practicing Equanimity by saying -
Khamemi Savva Jeeve, Savve Jeeva Khamantume.
Mitti me Savva Bhooesu, Veram Majjha Na Kenai.
"I grant forgiveness to all living beings,
And may all living beings grant forgiveness to me.
I am on friendly terms with all.
I have no animosity towards any."
In this so-called competitive western world a person is constantly striving to succeed. Success is the achievement of something desired, planned, or attempted. Success to some may mean getting certain amount of material wealth while to others it may be a position of power. Some may strive for academic success, while others may be looking for a good spouse or a partner. A small segment may want their spiritual growth. Invariably one will come across roadblocks towards the desired goal. Sometimes adverse circumstances hamper the progress towards that goal. Such situations result in frustration that lead to stress, anger and in some extreme cases hatred.
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