Way of Life Part 3

Author(s): Bhadraguptasuri
Publisher: Vishvakalyan Prakashan Trust Mehsana

Page 22

10
THE WAY OF LIFE
people to treat with contempt those who are ugly. Those who are strong and powerful; and who are proud of their strength and power laugh at those who are weak. Those who are proud of their affluence treat with contempt those who are poor. The pride relating to intelligence makes intelligent people angry with those who lack intelligence. Those who are proud of their knowledge treat with contempt those who do not possess knowledge.
You must realize the difference between pride and arrogance. A proud man does not give up his obduracy; and does not listen to the useful and proper advice of others. An arrogant man feels proud of his caste, creed and wealth and is contemptuous of others. Pride and arrogancc are both inner enemies. When the Jivatma comes under the influence of pride and arrogance, its spiritual ruin commences, WHAT HAPPENED TO RAVANA ?
Sometimes, a haughty man may realize that his obduracy is not right; yet he does not shake off his pride and arrogance. "How can I give up that to which I have been clinging till now? If I give it up, the world will laugh at me". Some who possess a proper knowledge of things may try to convince a haughty man of the danger of his pride, but he will not listen to their persuasions.
Ravana also realized this point : "Sita does not at all like me. When that is so what is the point in my seeking her company? She has insulted me; she has condemned me. Why should I love her ? But this time when a fierce war: is raging between me and Rama; and when my brother and my son have been captured by Rama, if I send back. Sita to Rama,. I will become a laughing-stock in the world. People will say: "See, Ravan has returned Sita to Rama fearing the disgrace of being defeated". No. At this time, I will not send þạck Sita to Rama. Tomorrow, I will fight. I will capture Rama and Lakshman and I will take them to Sita; and I will say: "Take away your Sita". PRIDE IMPEDES SPIRITUAL PURIFICATION
Vibhishan and the ministers made every effort to persuade Ravan to give up his obstinacy. Yet, Ravan did not listen to