________________
Rays of Dharma
to discord and dispute. It would be possible to avert quite a few problems, if everyone thinks and speaks with discretion.
One should cultivate the habit of presenting even the stray talk in a way that does not hurt anyone. One should surely avoid telling lies, but it is not necessary to express everything that we come to know. We need to exercise discretion and should express nicely what is true and beneficial.
In ancient times, the kings used to be guided by Gurus or other wise persons in handling the administration. When they ceased seeking such guidance, their characters reached a very low level. There is an interesting tale in that connection. After the British rule was set up in India, one member of the British Parliament decided to survey the administration in India. As a part of his mission he visited Junagadh, in the present State of Gujarat. The Nawab (Muslim ruler of the place) was short of intelligence and did not know what to talk. His secretary, who worked as the interpreter, was however intelligent and presented Nawab's queries in his own way. While Nawab asked about the numbers of queens and children to the British king, the interpreter presented them as the number of members in Parliament and the women's right to vote.
Similarly the wise ones should present even the adverse talks in right perspective. Those, who give rise to fiery atmosphere by their talks, cannot resort to true religion. One should therefore cultivate the attribute of serenity in his life. Rashness would result in hurting oneself as well as others. It should also be borne in mind that disclosing anything about a person without his consent amounts to breach of trust. One should therefore scrupulously avoid the same. He, who adopts serenity in his behavior in the family as well as in the society, can rise on the ladder of humanity.
22
