________________
222
THE MYSTERIES OF MIND
consciousness in each and every particle of his body, is bound to enter into a state of equality. This will change his entire conduct and his relations with other. These relations will be inspired by the feeling of equality. Conduct based on the sense of equality is the highest form of conduct. It sweetens his relations with others. Inconsistency, sternness and cruelty produce bitterness and spoil human and social relations. Sometimes parents show favouritism in their relations with their children. This disparity spoils the harmony of the family and creates disensions. Favouritism produce dissensions not only in family relations but also in human and social relations. Those who are not favoured begin to revolt. Revolt is a natural reaction to injustice. Only the docile do not revolt. Those who have been unjustly treated must revolt if they are conscious of injustice.
Disparity in conduct and social relations is the greatest problem of the modern age. It does not allow harmonious and cooperative life.
Sternness is another cause of dissensions. We do not generally behave politely with those whom we consider to be inferior to us although we have to be polite to our superiors. This is a common practice. The master feels it undignified to On the other hand, he feels behave politely with his servants. dignified in behaving politely with his equals. This creates bitterness in the give and take of personal and social relations. The manager of a mill would always take a stern attitude towards the labourers. He feels that he would not be able to manage the affairs of the concern if he were not stern in his behaviour. This attitude has split society into opposing camps. We are not prepared to admit that politeness, friendliness, love and finer feelings can produce sweetness and smoothness in Even social relations and inspire confidence in every one. plants can grow quickly if we show sympathy to them. Agricultural production can be increased by means of sympathy. If flowering plants are treated sympathetically, they will produce better and more useful flowers. Shall we not treat sentient beings in the same way? Man is not stone. Even stones can be endowed with consciousness with the help of mild feelings.
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
