________________
Jaina Acara: Siddhanta aura Svarupa
The dictionary of synonyms treats the earth and forgiveness as one. Man digs mines, wells and pierces the earth and yet she gives gold, coal, water, grain, flowers and fruits. Science now says that the earth moves but what is in view is her forbearance. Forgiveness is virtually the mythological tree that grants all desires. To err is human but to forgive is divine. The Jaina history tells us that some persons, subject to anger, massacred people, since it is a short madness. Somila Brahmana placed burning coals on the head of Gajasukumāla, but the latter remained unmoved. Candakausika because of some sin in the previous life became a serpent. Lord Mahavira's forgiveness changed its heart and it was emancipated. A spiritual aspirant himself forgives and makes others forgive. Even the severest penance is fruitless without the pacifying water of forgiveness. Christ says,-"If in a church you are ready to offer oblation but the very moment you recall estrangement between you and some other man, the proper course for you is to leave the oblation at the door and first ask forgiveness of him. Without be-friending him, no oblation needs must be offered." Vṛhatkalpa says,-"If in the community you nurture ill-will against your associate, you must not think of eating or easing nature till the two of you are reconciled".
188
(2) Mardava - Anger and pride are both subsumed under aversion, but the two are different. If somebody abuses you, you are incensed but if he praises you, you feel proud of yourself. All perverted praise and censure are binding. Those who are sick are easily affected by a gust of hot wind and the severity of winter. Likewise an immature aspirant is subject to passions now and then: Enemies rouse your anger and friends awaken your pride: your enemy is like a fly that is more content with dirt than sweets. He discovers not your virtues, but your faults. He makes a mountain of a mole hill, but the friend overpiaises you. He even flatters you. You censure someone behind his back but the praise is showered openly. You should beware of praise rather than censure. Everybody wishes for an address of welcome, and none for an address of censure. Pride is sweet poison. Anger wants to destroy the irritant but pride cannot bear any distance. Anger wants separation. but pride union.
Caste, family, strength,beauty, penance, learning, benefit and grandeur cause pride. Anger also is the effect of some other causes. Pride and miserable pose are no parts of tenderness. One who are soft and sweet is never meanly humble. The wise, even though learned, is never proud. A proud person bends back whereas a misery-ridden looks forward in supplication. The proud person gives himself airs and treats others as much lower in hierarchy. A supplicant thinks himself mean and others as noble. A sweet and soft person is neither proud nor meanly humble. He knows the world as transient and is, therefore, never attached to it. Again pride is not to be confused with self-respect. Self-respect is never tainted with pride.
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
Jain Education International
