Book Title: Way of Life Part 2
Author(s): Bhadraguptasuri
Publisher: Vishvakalyan Prakashan Trust Mehsana

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Page 255
________________ DISCOURSE 41 243 they may also have some defects; they can commit some mistakes sometimes but you must see only their merits and virtues; not their defects and faults. In order to see the merits of cultured people, you must have an eye for virtues. You can see ethical and spiritual excellence in cultured people only if you have an eye for virtues; never otherwise. Those who have an eye for defects can see defects even in the omniscient Vitrag. Only those who have an eye for virtues can admire the virtues of cultured people. Those who have an eye for defects may praise some people with a selfish motive but their admiration is never sincere and heartfelt. Their hearts and minds do not go with their praise. Those who want to become cultured and noble and those who aim at that development in themselves must adore cultured people heartily. Such people surely praise the cultured souls. The words of admiration and praise naturally find expression when they speak. The desire to attain culture and nobility impels you to search for noble and cultured people; to develop intimacy with them and to admire their merits and virtues. Scrutinize your inner self and see whether you really have the objective of becoming noble and cultured. Search carefully and see whether the aspiration to become noble has really awakened in you. Yes. If you admire the activities of noble and cultured people, and if you admire their noble actions then it is certain that you too will become noble and cultured. IT IS DIFFICULT WITHOUT DETERMINATION AND WILL-POWER I will explain this point to you by means of an example. Let us suppose you have a friend. He is married. His wife is a woman of noble character. Their life is flowing on like the sacred Ganga. Whenever you see them, they are absolutely cheerful and happy. When one day, you see him, he appears gloomy, serious and thoughtful. Let us suppose that you ask him to tell you the reason for his gloom and that you insist upon knowing the answer. He gives you this reply with a little hesitation and nervousness. In the office in which he is working, there is also a lady working. On account of the Jain Education International For Private & Personal Use Only www.jainelibrary.org

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