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DISCOURSE 21
753
wealth or beauty. The world has grown mad after money and beauty. How can mad people see virtues ? How can people love and admire others without seeing their virtues ? How can the heart of man experience the impact of Dharma without the exalted emotion of love in it ?
THE NECESSITY OF LOVE IN YOUR DEALINGS WITH OTHERS
The priest, Haribhadra possessed an eye for virtues. The words of the Acharya made a deep impact on the heart of Haribhadra. The acharya realized that he was a worthy person. He also knew that the priest had taken a vow. On that day, he was able to see his special virtues and merits. What an excellent spiritual vision did the Acharyadev possess! He did not remember the priest's previous pride and petulance. “This is the priest who heartlessly made fun of my Paramatma! Today, he has come to me. I will give him a piece of my mind. What does he think of me and my Paramatma?” The Acharya did not think in this vengeful and hateful manner. It is not possible to perform anyone by reminding him of his past evil conduct or behaviour. It is not possible to remove someone's defects by making sarcastic remarks on him or by means of angry invective. If the Acharya had said this to Haribhadra, "Look here! Are you not that Purohit who made fun of the vitrag Paramatma, in this temple ? Do you know the consequences of that action of yours? You are the court-priest; and So you are arrogant but remember that even you have to taste
r fruit of having scoffed at the Paramatma, etc." If he had spoken thus, would we have attained that gem, that mighty scholar, Haribhadrasooriji ? If the Acharya had spoken thus, Haribhadra's mind would have become embittered against the Acharya. He would have gone away from there; and would have sought the meaning of the sloka from someone else.
HOW ARE THE JAIN ACHARYAS ?
The Jain Acharyas know the proprieties of time and occasion. They can know the nature of individuals. Some Acharyas possessing special powers, can also know the future of the people
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