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DISCOURSE 22
377 KEEP THINKING OF THE JIVA'S DEPENDENCE ON KARMAS
All jivas in samsar depend on Karmas. They are the thralls of Karma. Every jiva has his or her respective Karmas; and in accordance with those Karmas all jivas act nobly or ignobly. The Jiva is not at all independent. Then, why should you get angry with it? Keep always contemplating on the dependence of the Jivas on Karmas. When, at any time, your friends, or acquaintances or relatives or others behave improperly or act ignobly or treat you impolitely, you should not treat them with contempt; nor should you be agitated by anger. Even after you advise them and prevail upon them to change their ways, if they do not reform themselves; if they do not give up their ways; if they do not give up their wicked or faulty actions, then you assume silence. There is no use of giving them advice and percepts. When there is hatred in your heart and when there is contempt in your heart ; if you speak, your words will be harsh and cruel. If you speak harshly that will only increase the impoliteness, haughtiness and the indiscipline of those near you. You will be doing only harm. Unknowingly, you will be agitating yourself.
From the Audience: We have to speak sometimes harshly to those, whom to set right is our responsibility. If we do not speak to them thus, they will be spoilt.
INTOLERANCE MAKES YOUR VOICE BITTER AND HARSH
Maharajashri : I do not disapprove of your speaking harshly and bitterly to those who can reform themselves by such words. I do not prohibit your speaking bitterly and harshly to those who turn over a new leaf in their lives, influenced by harsh words. Doctors and surgeons first examine the patient. If they feel that the patient will die in the operation-theatre itself; and that the patient is very weak, they do not operate upon him. They give him some medicines that will make him physically strong. The purpose of performing an operation is to keep the patient alive. If this purpose is not served what is the use of performing an operation ? What is the purpose of
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