Jain Lesson I

Author(s): JAINA Education Committee
Publisher: Diwakar Prakashan

Page 57

Lesson 20 SPIRITUAL TEACHER AND RELIGION
Teacher : Payal, can you tell me some of the characteristics of our
spiritual teachers? Payal : I have heard that spiritual teachers are different from our
regular school teachers. Is this true? Teacher : Yes, you are right. Though both of them teach us, spiritual
teachers are different from school teachers. Shila : Can you tell me more about our spiritual teachers? Teacher : Yes, though our spiritual teachers live among us, they are
different from us in many ways. 1) They have voluntarily given up all their worldly
pleasures. This means they have given up wearing fashionable clothes, going to the movies, watching television, sleeping on soft beds, staying in an airconditioned room, going out to eat ice cream or pizza,
and going out in cars, aeroplane, or any other vehicle. 2) They have given up all worldly aspects and renounced
their worldly life. This means that they no longer take interest in any personal matters, social functions, or
economic aspects. 3) They have voluntarily taken following five vows and
they will observe them for the rest of their lives. i) Not to hurt or kill anyone (love all), ii) Not to lie (tell the truth), iii) Not to steal (be honest), iv) Not to engage in any type of sexual activities
(Celibacy),
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