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Regard for Virtues
musical instrument when we touch a cord of it. Our nerves get dull because they happen to be continually battered by words. When we are required to use a hammer, we take out the watch from the wrist so that it is not affected by the thrust, but we do not care to protect the delicate nerves of brain from the impact of harsh words.
One should keep his mind clean like a white cloth so that even a slight stain becomes visible and we can immediately remove it. As a stain on cloth can be removed by using soap and water, so can the stain on mind be removed by virtuous contemplation and by remaining in touch with virtuous persons. We should be careful not to write anything rubbish on the writing paper of mind. We can erase what is written with a pencil, but while erasing, the paper gets worn out. Similarly the delicacy of mind is affected while trying to remove the wrong thinking
In order to keep the mind delicate, we should cultivate regard for virtuous people. We should remain in contact with those, who are more virtuous. Every type of contact would have its impact. An object in contact with garlic gives bad odor and that with sandalwood gives a good one. Similarly addiction starts by getting in the company of addicted ones and becomes irresistible by continuing in that company. That can be removed by getting in the company of the virtuous ones. That is comparable to the drain water becoming pure by getting in the stream of the Ganges.
Some people say that the drawbacks of everyone, even of a Guru, should be exposed. That is not right; it is imprudent to do so, we would get unclean thereby. If possible, we can point out the faults affectionately and compassionately; otherwise we should remain objective. It is said, “Marg bhulelä jivanpathikne marg chindhavä ubho rahun; kare upekshä e märagani toye samatä сhitta dharun (Let me show the path to a lost traveler and retain equanimity if he ignores it. Criticizing others for their faults or drawbacks can adversely affect our own character. Our endeavor should be to adopt virtues and ignore the faults.
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