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THE WAY OF LIFE
a thorough knowledge of the Indian culture and the Indian Dharmas and the life of people in India ? They get elected and make laws relating to the people in the country. Do you know how many of these laws run counter to the composite culture of our country ?
* Do those people who get elected as presidents, vice-presi
dents, treasurers and secretaries in religious institutions possess a knowledge of the doctrines of Dharma ? The Jain sangha has to be administered strictly in accordance with the doctrines of Jain Dharma. That is why, in the Jain sangha, seven spheres have been organised. Do these elected presidents and other office bearers possess a knowledge of the seven spheres? Do they possess spiritual excellence ? Do the presidents of temple committees visit the temple every day and worship the Paramatma. The people who possess these virtues are small in number. In elections the spiritual worth of candidates is not at all considered.
The system of election affects the mutual love and amity among members. They develop the tendency of defeating and disgracing others. In order to defeat and disgrace others, they adopt immoral and illegal methods. Abhinivesh (scheming to defeat others) has been increasing. Along with this evil propensity other evils like anger, pride deception and avarice also keep increasing. These things bring about agitation in life. When their minds are thus agitated, people cannot concentrate on spiritual austerities. Sorrows appear in family life. Impediments arise on the path of people in their endeavours relating to Artha and Kama.
Therefore first of all you dispel Abhinivesh from your family life. Never do any evil action to disgrace and humiliate the members of your family. You have to begin this endeavour first in your house. "I should not disgrace anyone. I should not cast aspersions on anyone; I should not spoil anyone's name. I should not try to stain anyone's glory and fame”. You must make this determination.
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