Practical Path

Author(s): Champat Rai Jain
Publisher: ZZZ Unknown

Page 98

NIRJARA.
not eat such things as meat, nor take to intoxicants. He should not slander any body, especially the king. He should respect his parents, and avoid giving offence to others by his actions, maintaining and preserving those dependent on him. He should live peacefully, respecting and serving the Master, the Preceptor, the guest and the deserving poor, and observing moderation in. all things. He should sympathise with all, but avoid too much intimacy with any. With regard to the four objects of life-dharma (virtue), artha (wealth), kama (pleasure) and moksha (salvation)-he should never allow the higher to be sacrificed for the sake of a lower one. He should daily read the Scripture and observe the rules of life, excelling in right conduct and aspiring to rise higher and higher every day. He should avoid obstinacy and develop a partiality for virtue. His attitude towards religion, philosophy, opinions and beliefs should be that of a critical student, and he should try to solve all the doubts that arise in his own mind'.
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If the house-holder would carefully observe these thirty-five rules of conduct, he would come into the possession of the following twenty-one marks which every true gentleman should possess. He would be serious in demeanour, clean as regards both his clothes and person, good-tempered, popular, merciful, afraid of sinning, straightforward, wise, modest, kind, moderate, gentle, careful in speech, sociable, cautious, studious, reverent both to old age and ancient customs, humble, grateful, benevolent, and attentive to business.
By the time that the house-holder becomes steady