________________
DISCOURSE 67
others. Actions originate from thoughts. Activity originates from propensity. Therefore, you must reform your thoughts and purify your propensities.
AS YOU SOW; SO YOU REAP :
People should not entertain harmful thoughts in respect of their own people or others. If a man entertains such harmful thoughts, he can never attain equanimity and spiritual stability. All propensities have their respective results. Each propensity reaps a fruit which is in consonance with its nature. If you con-. fer upon others peace, equanimity and spiritual stability, you too will attain peace, equanimity and spiritual stability. If you cause agitation, restlessness and grief to others you too will get agitations, restlessness and grief.
249
If you are agitated, you are the cause for your agitation. You may cause agitations to others. You may entertain harmful thoughts relating to others. You must scrutinize your inner self; you must carry out introspection and think sincerely. If you are agitated, that is so because you entertain harmful thoughts relating to others. You must realize this truth...
If your mind is excited and agitated, what you utter will cause agitation in others; and your activities also will bring about agitations in others. If you cause agitation to others by your thought, word or deed, you too will be agitated and excited.
The first question is whether you desire peace for yourself, and whether you desire happiness. Do you desire serene. thoughts and emotions? If you sincerely desire peace and happiness, the simplest way to attain them is that you should not cause agitation to anyone by your actions or words or even by your thoughts.
BE KIND TO THE IGNORANT:
From the Audience: When other people cause agitation or grief to us, we cannot bear with them.
Maharajashri: Endeavour to increase your powers of tolerance. The nature of ignorant people is such that they
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
