Book Title: Way of Life Part 1
Author(s): Bhadraguptasuri
Publisher: Vishvakalyan Prakashan Trust Mehsana

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Page 393
________________ DISCOURSE 22 383 younger generation the gift of pride! It is probable that no one gets this gift. Politeness has no place in this educational policy which was first implemented by the English Government. Politeness has been banished from our country. There is no trace of simplicity and humility left behind. Even the values of chastity, purity and good conduct have been lost. How long has this system of education been in existence ? Even after our getting independence the same system has been continuing. What will remain after the younger generation has fallen into spiritual and moral ruin? How many evils and derogations have crept into the family-life of today? Yet the same kind of education is being given and is being received. HAUGHTY PEOPLE ARE UNFIT EVEN FOR EXHORTATION Fashionable dress and ostentatious ornamentation as well as artificial decorations and disguises have grown such that pride and vanity have increased. Even illiterate and ignorant people put on such dress and decoration that pride stretches itself as if for relaxation and rejuvenation. Haughty people make fun of even the Paramatma. They slight even men of self-sacrifice, selflessness, renunciation and spiritual enlightenment and attainment. They make fun of men and women who conform to dharma with austerity. The truth is that proud, and haughty people display their own stupidity but who can expose their stupidity? Giving precepts to a haughty person is the same as preaching to a donkey. A donkey can be taught only by means of the rod. You try to advise haughty people if you want to hear harsh and bitter words from them. We must ask that person who has haughty children; who has a haughty wife; who has a haughty husband and whose boss is haughty, whether he or she can live peacefully and happily with those proud and happy people. We should ask the Gurumaharaj who has a haughty disciple what he feels about such a disciple. EVEN TINY CHILDREN ARE TOYS OF PRIDE This is the truth about the present age. Whether a person is young or old, man or woman, he or she has pride and haughtiness to a greater or to a lesser extent. I know a family in Jain Education International For Private & Personal Use Only www.jainelibrary.org

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