Rays of Dharma

Author(s): Chitrabhanu
Publisher: Divine Knowledge Society

Page 32

Chapter Agreeable Disposition
Agreeable and soothing disposition is the third attribute required for leading a religious life. There are people who spread pleasure everywhere they go. Ability to handle a situation smoothly and delicately can quiet even the acute anger of the opponents. That involves a deep sense of forgiving. Forgiving is a great virtue; when it is associated with sympathy and compassion. The animosity of an adversary gives way and he also tends to respond favorably. During the spiritual pursuit of Lord Mahaveer, when Sangam got exhausted of perpetrating atrocities and fell at the feet of the Lord, the Lord felt compassionate to him and that drew tears in his eyes. Only those, who are imbibed with generosity at heart, can thus afford to forgive the perpetrators.
In order to get qualified for a religious life, one needs to cultivate compassion at heart. He is the true human being whose eyes get wet out of compassion for others. It is, however, seen that the people are out to fight even for trifling issues. If a piece of stone is dropped in a pond, it gives rise to ripples that continue to spread and reach the other end. Similarly our sense or words of rage raise vibrations in the air that reach the other end of the world and become instrumental in leading to wars. It is therefore necessary to give up animosity of all sorts and cultivate amity that gives a soothing impact.
31