Rays of Dharma

Author(s): Chitrabhanu
Publisher: Divine Knowledge Society

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Chapter 0 Feeling Ashamed
The next attribute that we have to consider is of remaining ashamed. A religious person would feel ashamed of doing anything wrong. He remembers that he cannot do anything of the sort. The enlightened people have therefore said that a shameful person stays away from wrong activity. He cannot do anything out of the way. He would not feel at ease, if he has to get involved in an inappropriate activity; it would bite him. One who abides by this attribute can stay virtuous.
On the other hand, those who have formed bad habits, stay away from good activities. Those who are used to smoke or take alcoholic drinks, crave for the same even when they are served with wholesome food. A person with good character feels uneasy with wrong activity, while one with bad character gets elated by indulging in it. One's character normally depends upon his environment, and in order to remain in wholesome environment, it is helpful to listen to the enlightened talks.
A meat-eater gets elated to get meat; he even relishes its smell. A vegetarian would, however, get upset on seeing the meat. This happens because the former has stayed in an environment of cruelty, while the latter has stayed in an environment of compassionate delicacy. One thinker has therefore said that he could stay away from
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