Rays of Dharma

Author(s): Chitrabhanu
Publisher: Divine Knowledge Society

Page 83

Rays of Dharma
The second felt unhappy for being caught and decided to remain more vigilant. The third scoffed at the punishment and thought that he would stealthily enter the city and indulge in offences. The fourth was totally unashamed of the punishment and while riding on the donkey he invited the onlookers to have the pleasure of such a ride.
It is evident that those, who feel ashamed of doing anything wrong, repent for the same and avoid the repetition thereof. If someone therefore points out our fault, we should thank him and see that we do not indulge in the fault again. When the nun Mrugävati happened to overstay in the assembly of Lord Mahaveer, Chandanbälä simply pointed out to her that it was inappropriate for a nun to stay out after sunset. That caused the latter to contemplate remorsefully over her fault and it resulted in her attaining the omniscience. The life is thus meant for improving when the opportunity arises; the attribute of shamefulness becomes conducive in that respect.
We should keep in mind that purity leads to purity and impurity to impurity. Our perception, thinking as well as actions should therefore be pure. It should be remembered that feeling ashamed of wrong activity serves as a dam that prevents the water of character from flowing out. If one feels uneasy while resorting to a wrong activity, it can be said that he is embedded with the attribute of feeling ashamed and hence there is scope for making progress.
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