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OF THOSE WHO ARE VENERABLE It is possible for an ambitious man to bear the iron-darts when there is hope for a future gain, but he who without any hope of gain beareth piercing and prickly words is really venerable.
For strokes of foul speech reaching the ears produce a feeling of enmity in our mind, but he who hath his senses restrained can tolerate out of piety and is, therefore, venerable.
He who slandereth not one behind his back nor speaketh painful words before his presence nor useth expressions determinative or expressions harmful is, therefore, venerable.
He who is not covetous nor wily, nor deceitful, nor backbiting, nor wretched,
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Shree Sudharmaswami Gyanbhandar-Umara, Suratwww.umaragyanbhandar.com
