Book Title: Spiritual Guide
Author(s): Rajyashsuri
Publisher: Labdhi Vikramsuri Sanskruti Kendra Ahmedabad

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Page 21
________________ NEED FOR SENSE OF GRATITUDE virtues of an enlightened Guru. According to the law of contemplation, one who meditates on his favourite deity (Ishtadevata) would be gradually endowed with the qualities of Gods and the omniscient teachers. Dt. 25-01-1980 There are numerous virtues and traits which a religious person should possess. But according to Shanthisuriji, one of the Jain spiritual leaders, the foremost among them should be the sense of gratitude. If a man does not repay his debt of gratitude to his benefactor, not only is he considered unfit for religious progress, but it will also be evident that moral law, which a pious man ought to observe, has not influenced him. One may be a philanthropist or may be practising austerities, but if one lacks this quality, all the efforts to lead a religious life would be futile and fruitless. As the virtue of gratefulness spreads deep in one's heart, a substantial ground will be provided for the growth of innumerable virtues, even without his knowledge. It is at least expected of a person to remain indebted first to his parents, then to his employer, thirdly to the teacher and lastly the Guru, who has shown him the correct path to tread safely. Accept the fact that you have two ears and one mouth. Hence, speak half the time you hear. Acharya Vikramsurishvarji, in his discourse in Adinath Temple, said that according to Jain scriptures, all Gods and religious teachers have only one aim of liberating man from his sufferings and from the cycle of rebirths to enable him to reach the state of emancipation. For this the mankind should be thankful to them and if people do not possess this quality of gratitude, it would only prove that they have not realised the greatness of the masters. Though one need power, excess of power makes one aggresive so one has to control the use of power. Don't command which you can't practise. A devotee who displays this extraordinary trait, would also derive the chances of obtaining all other

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