Book Title: Sramana 2001 04
Author(s): Shivprasad
Publisher: Parshvanath Vidhyashram Varanasi

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Page 189
________________ १८३ at after mature consideration and understanding of things. A Samyakdrasthi is aware of the limitations of thinking and the harmful effects of frustration. Therefore, after deliberating on different aspects and viewpoints he wants to arrive at rational decisions and be free from skepticism or doubt (Nihshankita). He knows that doubt kills decision and without an act of decision an individual is unable to muster enough courage to go forward. This faith in Self or atman him to attain a sort of mental equilibrium and consequently he does not fear death, pain, censure, insecurity, etc. He becomes modest, forsakibng all pride of learning, honour, family, affluence, etc. and desire with regard to the future. Eventuafly, he wants to be Nihkankshita (free from desires for worldly things). A Samyakdrashti, having an open mind, ever eager to learn from history and experience and grounded in Anekant, scientific outlook and rational thinking, is not slave to customary beliefs or conventions or vested interests. He is thus free from delusive notions and fol (Amudhatas). As he has gained true insight about the reality of things, the self and non-self, he is free from disgust (Nirvichikitsa), and feels no revulsion at the sight of human sickness, insanity or ugliness. He does not hate or condemn others on grounds of religion., race, colour, creed or nationality. Not only he avoids hating others, he is also enjoined to practice vatsalya (disinterested affection or selfless love) for the fellow beings, dedicating his fife to the service and support of all human beings without any distinction of race, religion, sex or nationality. Another characteristic of a Samyakdrasthi is upguhana (tendency to cover up or hide from public view the shortcomings of persons) or upavrhana, that is cultivation of virtuous dispositions of honesty, gratitude, ahimsa (non-violence), forgiveness, modesty, straightforwardness, etc. When people deviate from the path of righteousness under the influence of greed, possessiveness, conceit and pride and indulge in aggressiveness and exploitation of the weak, a Samyakdrasthi endeavours to re-establish them on the path of righteousness (sthitikarana). Lastly, he tries to propagate values of life (Prabhavana) by making good ways of life, of thinking and doing things widely known and easily accessible to people at large the world Jain Education International For Private & Personal Use Only www.jainelibrary.org

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