Jain Digest 2007 04

Author(s): Federation of JAINA
Publisher: USA Federation of JAINA

Page 19

Jain Digest Summer 2007
no matter how inflated we feel about our wealth, power, The question is raised as to why after knowing all this and knowledge, talent, appearance etc.
understanding the methodology laid out clearly in Jain philosophy, display of arrogance and ego is rampant in Jain societies around the globe? May be the practice of chanting mantras, Samayik, Pratikraman etc. have become just the external rituals without being internalized. According to Acharya Mahapragya, change is not possible merely through sermons, discourses and rituals, A thought that reaches the domain of our conscious mind only, may not last long. Its impact on our mental attitude will be transitory till it is able to make its way into the unconscious mind. In order to transmit thoughts into the unconscious mind, we have to undergo rigorous practice. It is not possible without it. Let us therefore, think of practice and training.
Keep a tab on karmas-The karma (Cause & effect) theory teaches us that the objects of our arrogance and good fortune are the fruits of our karmas from the past. These could all disappear some day when the punya ends.
Know that this too shall pass - Every time we go through an ego boosting situation, we should try and remember this important scriptural message: All material things in life are temporary and come with an expiration date, which is out of our control. (Anitya Bhavana). On his death bed, even Alexander the Great was helpless, although he had conquered the whole world.
•Remind ourselves that truth has many angles and perceptions are relative-Like the blind men describing the elephant, we must remind ourselves that ours is not the only correct viewpoint. To find the right approach, we need to be receptive enough to listen to the ideas and view points of other people with different cultures and backgrounds. Listening with a spirit of reconciliation cannot co-exist with arrogance!
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Recognize the equality of souls - We need to respect all life forms and all human beings. Jainism clearly says: "All souls are equal." This means that any temporary perception of superiority should not blind us and make us arrogant. On a concluding note, we need to understand that humility generates respect, co-operation and pleasant vibrations while dealing with our fellow human beings. Arrogance on the other hand invites contempt, dislike and hate. Our choice
should be obvious. Let us recognize our inner enemies and resolve today to overcome them. We will never know what miracles humility can produce until we try!
Jain Education Intemational
Knowing the human urge for recognition, our scriptures clearly laid down the guideline, that all austerity(Tap) and charity (Dan) must be kept anonymous(Gupta). And yet, in the name of encouragement to the other, we have cooked up many rituals and ceremonies that have lead to arrogance, competition, exhibitionism and worse!
"Some people claim that no institution or individual tells the donors to have greed or ego or any kind of desires. However, in actual practice, the names of donors and the amounts of donations are publicly announced and publicized in newspapers and magazines. They are prominently displayed on walls of temples and buildings" writes Hukamchand Bharilji. "These customs amount to enticing the unsuspecting masses to engage in such practices that violate the spirit of Jainism. Fund-raisers who are interested in satisfying their ulterior motives and donors who indulge in charity to satisfy their ego have vitiated the virtue of charity." He further writes.
| "Imagine - if all the time, money and energy spent on celebrating atthai, varshitap, and diksha were spent on humanitarian causes" said a Jain youth, "the world would be a better place and also there would be more Jains" he concluded.
As a spiritual aspirants, let each of us decide not to give into societal pressures and refain from such ego boosting and soul currupting practices. As Mahapragyaji said, "I believe that without training and practice mere discourses will degenerate into the futility of verbal exercise. It will fail to bring about any change in society. If we want to transform society, we will have to change our lifestyle and our way of working".
"person performing penance with a desire of fame or worship does not achieve a genuine penance; so penance should be observed without pomp and show and one should not flaunt or praise it" - Saman Suttam
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