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THB WAY OF LIFE
Govindacharya received initiation into the Jain Charitra Dharma. The Gurudev began to explain to Govindacharya the doctrines of Jain Dharma. Govindacharya also began to study the religion with politeness and meekness. A pretentious man can show great politeness and humbleness. But as he went on studying the doctrines of Jain Dharma and as he went on making an in-depth study of such doctrines as Anekantvad, his hatred and contempt began to disappear gradually. Aparigraha or non-attachment in the practical aspect of life, and the doctrines like the anekantvad in the theoretical sphere are absolutely infallible and irrefutable. He came to see defects but saw merits. He was, greatly influenced by the ideal nature of a Sadhu's life. A tremendous regard arose in his heart for Jain dharma. His view and outlook changed. He fell at the feet of the Gurudev and sought his forgiveness; and said "Gurudev, first I only made a pretence of becoming a Sadhu. Because I hated the Jain dharma, I wanted to refute the doctrines of Jain dharma and defeat the Jain acharyas. That was the reason for my becoming a Sadhu. I thought of understanding the doctrines of Jain Dharma so that I could refute them well by means of the Vedantic doctrines. That is why I became Sadhu and carried on studies. But by your grace, I have come to believe that the doctrines of Jain Dharma are sound and irrefutable. Such doctrines can never be refuted. After having attained such a perfect dharma, I do not want to lose it. Be graceful enough to suggest an atonement for my blunder; and grant me Charitradharma, once again. The Jain Dharma is really great because it is perfect and sound.”
There appeared a transformation in his view. The eye for defects disappeared; and the eye for virtues opened out. Thus, in the lives of some people if the eye for defects naturally disappears, others have cultivated the habit of discarding it and that means, they have to discard it by means of constant endeavour. Until the eye for defects is discarded, man cannot free himself from the habit of seeing defects. An eye for virtues is necessary if you should love and admire others. Love and adoration for others appear when you can see the merits of others using your view of seeing merits. You can tolerate the happiness of others
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