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16. How do we know that we are making progress on the spiritual path?
As the sadhak progresses on the path, he starts realising intuitively what is good for him or bad for him.
17. What does one have to do to lead a good life? Why is there so much suffering in the world and what can we do to change it? In order to lead a good and exemplary life, we must entertain good thoughts in our mind. Our conduct should also be good. This world is the world after all. It is not that the world contains only suffering; The sea holds pearls as well as stones in its depths. We should concentrate only on the pearls ie we should pay attention only to the good. We cannot change the world; Neither Lord Mahavir, Ram, Krishna or Buddha, were able to change the world. We should change ourselves. When we change the direction of our life, situations and conditions change automatically.
18. In the Gita, the Lord says "Renounce everything and take refuge in me....". Do you think that a grihasta (householder) should neglect his or her duties and leave everything for God? Unlike the Gita, Jain philosophy does not profess responsibility for removing the miseries of its followers. Man is himself the creator of his destiny. He reaps the fruits of his actions (karma) and Jain philosophy advises that one should perform good deeds (karma). A doctor can restore the sight of a patient by operating on his eyes, but he cannot hold the patient's stick and help him walk all his life. Likewise, a Guru shows the way- gives the path. However whether you decide to follow that path or not is entirely your choice.
19. How do we find a balance in life's activities? How do we know where to draw the lines?
In a householder's life, performance of his duties is his primary responsibility. Once the duties are performed well and
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