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DISCOURSE 90
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men of spiritual attainments like self-sacrifice and renunciation with disrespect or contempt. Ravana possessed the special virtue of loving virtues in others.
If we think of them from a relative point of view we find that the lovers of virtues belong to a higher level than that of men of virtues. It is easy to become a man of virtues but it is difficult to become a lover of virtues. It is easy to be generous but it is difficult to admire and appreciate the quality of generosity in others. It is easy to become a man of spiritual excellence; but it is difficult to admire men of spiritual excellence. In order to praise others, you must have the quality of magnanimity. A narrow-minded man cannot love virtues in others.
THE METHOD OF LIVING HAPPILY : FIVE VIRTUES
The commentator on Dharmabindu while describing various virtues mentions five special virtues;
1. Respecting others 2. Courtesy 3. Generosity 4. Firmness; and 5. Agreeable speech.
He has given another guidance regarding spiritual qualities : Forgiveness, humility, simplicity and the absence of avarice. Whenever you see these qualities in any person, you honour him and praise him. You should not stop at praising such a person. If such a person is in need of any help, you must render that help to him according to your abilities. Not only that; you must always be ready to help such people.
After you develop a partiality for virtues, you will automatically, without even thinking of it, render help to men of virtues. You will help them naturally and spontaneously.
From the Audience: When we see defects in men of virtues, we do not feel like respecting them. When we see their defects, we feel like hating them.
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