Jain Journal 1990 04

Author(s): Jain Bhawan Publication
Publisher: Jain Bhawan Publication

Page 16

APRIL, 1990
by the doctor, for curing the disease. He being unable to suffer the pain caused by the disease is obliged to drink that bitter medicine. Such is the case with a right believing layman. In proportion to the increment of his non-attachment and soul-power, his desire for sensual pleasure diminishes. There comes a time when he gets such a strong non-attachment and soul power that he becomes free from sensual desire and then he dissociates himself from family-members and leads a pure and secluded life, fully devoted to the realization of true happiness and-self purification. Realization of true happiness only is the way by which the force of the passions which produce desire, is lessened or removed.
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Realization of true happiness is based on honesty, justice and morality. A right-believer believes that there is a soul in every living creature and all the souls are equal by nature. They are therefore his brethren. Just as he feels pain on being tortured and troubled and enjoys relief on being cared for, so every worldly soul feels pain on being afflicted and enjoys relief on being looked after. It is therefore his duty to deal with the worldly souls as harmlessly as possible. Thus his right belief makes him honest, just and moral. By his nature, he will not tease others, will not speak falsehood, will not steal others' property, will not entrap himself in unjust and improper sexual enjoyment and will not be too greedy for worldly things since, to acquire them, he will have to mar the enjoyment of true happiness. Thus real morality will spring forth in the core of his heart.
Wrong belief that sensual pleasures would satisfy desires is the foundation of dishonesty, injustice and immorality. Bribe-taking, cheating and all other injurious and bad acts are performed on account of the strong desire for money and agreeable sense-objects. A wrong believer wants to statisfy his desires by fair or foul means. He does not care for the troubles and anxieties of others. He is blind to justice, honesty, compassion and morality. His life becomes a burden to the society, while the life of a right believer is an ornament to the society. He is useful, helpful and non-troublesome to the society. Belief, knowledge and practice of enjoyment of true happiness have made him a true gentle
man.
A gentleman, having right belief in true happiness, can lead his life peacefully and happily under all the agreeable and disagreeable circumstances. His happiness does not depend upon external things. He may be poor or rich, a labourer or a lord, low or great, ugly or beautiful, illiterate or literate, beggar or a donor, young or old, soldier or a military officer, yet he can feel true happiness always. He will remain content