________________
· DISCOURSE 94
295
The author has mentioned a very profoundly significant and important point about unobjectionable happiness. The importance lies in the fact that man acquires unobjectionable and pure happiness by observing the ordinary principles. First, I mentioned how man can attain unobjectionable and pure happiness. Therefore, I will not mention it again. Intelligence lies in your observing the ordinary principles.
I know that under these changed circumstances, it is not easy to practise the ordinary principles, but yet you must observe them. Even a difficult task becomes easy if you have a strong will-power. So, you increase and strengthen your willpower. There are two ways in which you can strengthen your will-power. (1) THE COMPANY OF NOBLE PEOPLE AND (2) SCRIPTURAL STUDIES
Your mind, if it is weak, grows strong if you associate with noble and saintly men. By this means, a weak mind becomes strong. The mind that keeps entertaining fears at every step will be weak. I have seen some men and women who brought about a reformation in their lives on account of the company of noble people.
They have stopped condemning others; and have begun
admiring virtues. * They have discarded the company of ignoble people; and
have begun associating with noble people. They have stopped going to sinful places; and they have
started visiting sacred places. * They have discarded their ignoble actions; and have begun
observing noble principles of conduct. They have begun treating their parents with politeness and respect.
I have seen such changes taking place in the lives of people on account of their association with noble people. In the same manner, such changes take place in the lives of people if they
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
