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JAINISM AND WORLD PROBLEMS
regulates the organic forces stored up in the body. By rous. ing powerful emotions, it can even affect the functioning of the viscera and glands that are all-important in human physiology. We know the power that may be exerted by moods like exaltation and depression, though we are far from understanding the manner of working of the operating force.
· Judged from the recorded miracles of Saints, the power of rhythm would appear to be almost unlimited. Changes in bodily form and products, such as the changing of the blood from red to white, the imparting of a shining lustre to the face, making the body impervious to gravitation, are some of the phenomena produced by an ascetic Will. But rhythm can also affect external nature. Amongst external phenomena may be mentioned the taming of wild natures, the fruition of trees and the appearance of bloom out of season, and the curing of the sick. There are other miracles known that are still more wonderful.
The Law governing the development of soul-force may be laid down as follows : only lower rhythms prevail in the Will when it is clogged with much matter and beset with desire; when desire is subdued, to the degree of Sainthood, higher rhythms arise. It is a corollary to this that the power to perform miracles can only be acquired by him who has no desire to use it in any way, not by him who wants to make a show, or display, or to use it for profit. Even the desire to use it for the less selfish purpose of curing disease will not allow it to develop.
The highest type of miracles are performed only by the Saints endowed with Right Faith, which is a form of belief, but which yet differs from all other kinds of beliefs. Beliefs, too, constitute impulses, and are built up round ideas, like them. The impulse, which is only an idea at first, comes to anchorage, resting on the element of attraction or repulsion, and digs its roots deep in the soil of personal interest. It then puts forth its stems and branches, and throws out
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