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place not only for the present generation but also for generations to come. The reader must wonder how righteousness would help in today's world where you are surrounded by dishonesty, corruption, greed and arrogance. To that I would respond that you do your bit, and play your part. If all of us decide to follow our own conscience and do what is right within our own domain; we would have made a beginning. Over a period of time it will spread, may be slowly, but we will have the satisfaction of bringing about a small change in the society that we live and work with. Whatever education you may have and position you may hold in society, if you do not have righteousness, truthfulness, peace and love in your daily life, all is without purpose. Without these qualities human life will collapse.
An individual should lead an active, industrious, honest and above all, a happy and charitable life. To this end, Zoroastrian theology recommends the generation of wealth provided it is acquired honestly and with propriety. This acquired wealth then should be shared with the needy (charity). Charity should be done without expecting any returns or gains; otherwise it is not considered charity. Do not give in charity to have your name displayed on a plaque or to expect something in return. Charity should come from the heart.
We all came to this world empty-handed and shall all leave empty handed. After we have departed we will not be remembered for our material wealth, but for the good words we spoke and the good work we did in our lifetime.
Conclusion
I would end by saying let us not forget to follow the principle of Ashem - Righteousness, and recommend that we base every word, every step, every move, and every phase of our life on this principle because:
If there is Righteousness in the heart, There will be Beauty in character, If there is beauty in character, There will be Harmony in the home.. If there is harmony in the home, There will be Order in the Nation. And if there is order in the nation, There will be Peace in the world. <>
Photograph by Thomas Dix
14th Biennial JAINA Convention 2007
Jain Education International
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whatever education
you may have and position you may hold in society, if you do not have righteousness, truthfulness, peace and love in your daily life, all is without purpose. Withou
t these qualities human Life will collapse.
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