Jainism For Beginners Level 01

Author(s): Sayampurnashreeji
Publisher: Sayampurnashreeji

Page 72

2. ego /
humility
According to jain philosophy ego
(Mana) has no place in our lives. The Jain aphorism. Parasparopagraho Jivanam means All life forms are interdependent for their existence.
The belief. '1 deliver a great speech therefore I am a great speaker, is an arrogant way of looking at things. Less importance should be given to I. ME. and MYSELE In the Jain world view, the correct way of looking at this should be, 'You are the listener, which is why I am the speaker: I am because you are. This type of thinking reflects humility and cooperation. It is a
statement of friendship and love.
I Jumility is true respect towards
I all. Humility is a natural quality of the soul; with other virtues like knowledge, faith, contentment, forgiveness, etc.
towards all life forms. Popular sayings like "Pride comes before a fall". "One who bows is liked by all", show that ego and pride are vices appreciated by nobody. In contrast, humility is welcomed everywhere as a great virtue.
Humility is easily achieved if one stays away from the eight types of ego : 1) Pride of knowledge 2) Pride of wealth 3) Pride of Family 4) Pride of Race 5) Pride of Power 6) Pride of Excellent Attainment 7) Pride of Austerity 8) Pride of Body.
Just as trees rich in fruits, hang low to provide fruit to the passerby and monsoon clouds full of water come down towards earth as rain, we should develop a natural tendency for benevolence. Whatever great work we may accomplish will be undone if we are full of ego and pride about our achievements.
Unity, peace and prosperity increase when we show humility
LIVING VALUES