________________
DISCOURSE 37
can appear in this world only because of chaste, pure, cultured and compassionate women. The children born to women who possess Rajoguna and Tamoguna also will possess the same qualities. (Rajoguna means the quality of violent temperament; and Tamoguna means the quality of being ignorant). The people who possess these qualities cannot pursue the path of salvation, and they cannot acquire the knowledge of the atmatatva (the nature of the soul). If people should be gentle and noble, women must be noble and gentle (satviks). Men also must be (satviks) gentle and noble. The way of marriage has not been described and prescribed as merely a means to enjoy physical pleasures. Those pleasures human beings can experience, even without being married. The purpose of marriage is that noble and gentle children should be born. Satvik does not mean one who has strength. Satvik means one who is pure, patient, firm, forbearing and courageous. Such people as possess these virtues will be able to carry out arduous spiritual austerities. Only such people can free their souls from the countless evil Karmas that engulf and eclipse them. The people who are weak, cowardly and who are averse to assiduity and strenuous work will not be able even to defend their country, let alone carrying out austere and arduous spiritual activity. Excessive indulgence in a life of luxury makes man weak, cowardly, unstable and changeful. See the condition of the present-day man. To-day man is completely steeped in luxury and gaiety. He has forgotten the lofty ideals of marriage; nor does he have an eye for the welfare of his soul. He keeps wandering in the realm of perennial and passing pleasures and enjoyments with only an eye for pleasures and enjoyments. Man has become devoid of energy and ability.
Jain Education International
#187
IT MUST BEGIN WITH YOURSELF
The whole country may not realise these ideals; a province may not realise them. At least, if one society like the Jain society realises those ideals and lives by them and organizes its life in accordance with the guidance given by the enlightened people, that society will achieve spiritual welfare and the whole country also will attain spiritual welfare in its turn taking that
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
