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160 / Lord Mahavira
8.
Equipoise
Sound is a sensation for ears. It is difficult not to hear when one hears something. A monk renounces attachment and aversion for whatever he hears. Sight is a sensation for the eyes. It is difficult not to see when one sees something. A monk renounces attachment and aversion for whatever he sees. Smell is a sensation for the nose. It is difficult not to smell when one smells something. A monk renounces attachment and aversion for whatever he smells. Taste is a sensation for the tongue. It is difficult not to taste when one eats or drinks something. A monk renounces attachment and aversion for whatever he tastes. Touch is a sensation for the body. It is difficult not to feel touch when one touches something. A monk renounces attachment and aversion for whatever he touches. Right conduct is really what constitutes religion which in turn is pointed out as equanimity. Equanimity is that contemplating state of the soul which is free from delusion and agitation. A monk is said to be absorbed in pure consciousness if he is indifferent to joys and sorrows. Samayka is equanimity. Noble persons patiently bear harsh, wounding and humiliating utterances of the wicked. Looking at all people with an impartial mind, one should not do anything either to favour or to harm them.
