________________
THE WAY OF LIFE
ACQUIRE A KNOWLEDGE OF THE DOCTRINES OF DHARMA
318
The heart is impure with many kinds of derogations. Hatred for Jivas, abhorrence for jivas, jealousy, and contempt are great vices. They are very serious vices. All these vices arise on account of the ignorance of the real nature of Jivas and of the philosophy of Karma. Do you know the nature of Jivas? You are yourselves jivas. Do you know what you are? Do you know what your natural form is; and what your altered form, influenced by Karmas, is? Every Jivatma in Samsar has two forms, natural and modified. All the vices originate from the modified form. All your virtues are the "production" of your natural form. If you understand and assimilate this philosophy; you will not treat other jivas with hatred, jealousy, contempt or abhorrence; and you would not reproach them for any reason. Amity, etc. appear in the hearts of the great men who have fully assimilated this philosophy. Those who have acquired this philosophical knowledge and those who are spiritually awakened will not hate or feel jealous of those who, blinded by infatuation and ignorance, commit the sins of treating others with hatred, contempt and jealousy. The enlightened people do not reproach them; nor do they treat them with contempt. So, you have to acquire a knowledge of Tatvas; and you must assimilate it.
DO NOT BECOME JEALOUS
Jealousy for other jivas is highly dangerous. Jealousy is also called envy. On account of jealousy man loses his mental peace and felicity. Jealousy brings about anger. You may know that your heart is full of jealousy if you cannot experience felicity at the sight of the progress and prosperity of others and if you do not experience love for them and happiness at the sight of their happiness. The mind that is eclipsed by envy experiences only agitation, annoyance and restlessness. The effect of such a mind falls upon the body and as a result of that there appear bodily ailments. If you see jealous people you find that they do not possess physical health.
Whatever spiritual austerities may be performed by a
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org