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Rays of Dharma
If we want to have peace and tranquility in the world, we should first become peaceful and non-violent. Those who are imbibed with compassion, know that animosity emits heat, while peace provides the soothing effect like sandalwood. Outward show of tranquility does not help in that respect. One, who has not developed compassion and serenity at heart, cannot remain tranquil. External measures can be helpful in the physical realm; a person suffering from headache can apply pain balm or take Anacin and get relief. Alternately he can try to remove the constipation, which could be the real cause of headache. In spiritual realm, however, external measures are of little or no consequence.
Unless an attribute becomes the part of nature, it is not possible to retain it longer. Geetä therefore says, “Prakrutim yanti bhootäni, nigrahah kim karishyati” (All beings behave as per their dispositions, how is it possible to restrain it?). We may be able to control the disposition for some time by adopting restraints, but it springs back with double force, when opportunity occurs and our will-power is weakened. As science says, the actions and reactions are equal and opposite.
In order to cultivate an agreeable disposition, it is necessary to learn how to behave peacefully. Those, who give up anger and animosity, become agreeable. What they utter would be pleasant. Our spiritual books were composed by the sages, who had cultivated calmness at heart. Their books therefore lay emphasis on remaining peaceful and contented. What the people nowadays write, reflect their discontent. Their writings echo discontent. Sanskrit is a sweet language, but some of the present day works in that language also give a bitter taste.
In ancient times Brahmins as well as monks were noble-minded; they accepted what was offered to them. They considered it below their dignity to beg. The role of the monks and nuns was to stay above likes and dislikes and that induced the laymen to serve them. Now the condition has changed to the extent where monks are seen
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