Shrutsagar 2018 12 Volume 05 Issue 07

Author(s): Hiren K Doshi
Publisher: Acharya Kailassagarsuri Gyanmandir Koba

Page 9

AC
SHRUTSAGAR
December-2018 The old woman said, “There is no light in the house”.
We may laugh at the foolishness of the old woman, but we are not less foolish than that old woman because we go out in search of happiness to find it in outward objects, when it lies within us.
Mental peace lies in patience and forbearance. A certain man, in his attempt to provoke an enlightened man was uttering abusive words. He was making all sorts of accusations against him; and was condemning him. But the enlightened man remained patient. When he stopped shouting, the enlightened man gave him a vessel full of water, and said, “Brother, please drink this water. You have been delivering a lecture for a long time and your throat has gone dry”.
Hearing this, the man perspired with shame. After drinking the water, he thought that this was a trick to defeat him. He thought, “Why should I fall into his trap?”.
In consequence, he began shouting with greater vigour. The enlightened man kept smiling. The sun set. That man stopped shouting when he was tired. The enlightened man gave him refreshments and food; and when he returned home, he sent his son to accompany him upto his house, so that he might reach his house safely. His efforts having thus failed, he gave up his anger permanently. He became ennobled under the influence of the enlightened man's patience, forbearance and forgiveness just as a piece of iron becomes gold by the touch of the philosopher's stone (Parasmani).
A similar incident took place in the life of Galib. Amimuddin, a famous poet wrote a book condemning Galib. Having read it, someone asked Galib. “Sir, have you not written any reply to this book?”
Galib replied: “If a donkey kicks you, would you also kick the donkey?”
One who can practise and make others realize the value of patience is able, noble, stable and courageous.
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