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THE WAY OF LIFE
or behaves impolitely or transgresses the limits of ethical propriety, at once, you will get angry with him. Anger soon appears in respect of such a man. This is a weakness of the human mind. This weakness can be discarded. The method that has to be adopted is Madhyastha Bhavana or the attitude of neutrality.
Faults are present even in the men of some merits or attainments. They are present in scholars and even in great men, but those who recognize and admit their faults, and who have love, respect and esteem for those who try to reform others; reform themselves. Some people are not even prepared to admit their faults; "I can never commit mistakes". They thus have a false pride. Such people get angry with those who point out their mistakes and faults. They get angry with their Gurudev and even with Tirthankars. But a true preceptor does not get angry with such impolite and haughty disciples; he adopts the attitude of neutrality towards them. Anger never appears in his mind. The man who has the quality of neutrality does not get angry even with an offender. He will not get angry with those who commit the most wicked actions.
From the Audience : We do not get angry with others; but we do get angry with those who are dear and near to us; who never reform themselves and who continue to commit mistakes.
“I” AND “MINE” ARE THE ROOTS OF ANGER
Maharajashri : Cultivate the attitudes of Ekatva (the feeling that, "I am alone" always) and Anyatva (the feeling that, "I am different and unconnected with my body, my relatives etc.") always; and discard the passion that makes you feel that something is "Mine”.
"He is my son; but he does not pay heed to my words”. This anger is not directed against the faults of your son; but it results from your being offended and dishonoured. Have you understood the point ? Understand it well. What do you feel when your wife, yours sons, or daughters and your servants and workers do not pay heed even to your well-meant orders; do not carry out your orders and suggestions and continue to do wicked
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