Book Title: Sense Beyond Senses
Author(s): Chitrabhanu
Publisher: Jain Meditation International Centre

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Page 47
________________ who are better than we are in many different ways. Too often do we see the sad spectacle of men filled with envy for those who are more fortunate than themselves. Our prayer teaches us that we should learn to appreciate those who act better than us, admire them if they are worthier than we are, whether or not they are of the same religion, race or country. If this were practised, much of the envy and jealousy we find in this world would be removed. Compassion: Compassion should govern our attitude towards those who are less fortunate than we are. It should extend to the erring and even to the criminal. After all, since Jainism believes that living beings often suffer because of their past misdeeds, does it not behove a true Jain to extend compassion rather than criticism to one who pays for his misdeeds of the past ? Equanimity is more of an introspective virtue. It governs our attitude towards ourselves, irrespective of the world around us. We achieve a certain balance of mind that remains unruffled in spite of the vicissitudes of life. Whether the world treats us well or ill, whether we reap a reward for our good deeds or not, whether the pathless wanderers pay heed or not to the path we try to show them, we should maintain a serenity of mind that is bound to bring contentment in its wake. When a tiny pebble is dropped into the still waters of a pool, soon it is filled with ripples. It is in the very nature of water to break into ripples. But 46

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