________________
159
We bring unnecessary evils upon ourselves to no purpose, by indulging in thoughts, words, and deeds in which there is no benefit to society, to our friends, or to ourselves.
A layman cannot avoid the evils entailed by his necessary pursuits ; but he can undertake to avoid the evils entailed by unnecessary pursuits and activities such as thinking about, speaking about, or otherwise busying himself with matters that do not concern himn or in which there is no benefit.
The following are some of the ways in which we do things in wbich there is no benefit :
Constantly fearing the loss of any of the good things we have,--wealth, friends, health.
Constantly fearing that bad thiugs which we are at present without, may come upon us, pain, poverty, disease.
Undue anxiety to get rid of desease, poverty, etc., when once they are upon us.
Undue anxiety for the future craving for the enjoyment of happiness expected to come in the future.
Being glad at having killed something or somebody, or approving of others who have done so.
Speaking ill of or misrepresenting others, and boasting about it.
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
