Wednesday, May 7, 2008

Thought of the Day 7 May 2008

Every person wants to solve his problems, but how best to do it is something that requires some consideration. Is it possible merely by one's physical efforts? Or does one require another person's help for it? None of the two alternatives are acceptable. If one does not put in the right and sufficient effort, then finding the solution to any problem is not possible. Even if all that is done, the help of another may still be required. Therefore it is that we have the tradition of seeking the support of the ideal. But unless there is an identification with that ideal, support will not be forthcoming. One should always keep this truth in mind.

Tuesday, May 6, 2008

Thought of the Day 6 May 2008

The one who writes prayers of eulogy writes it either out of experience or some revelation. It is possible for a person who writes in praise of the Lord to be in possession of some revealed knowledge. Experience is not a necessary condition. One who has not practised the Mantra described in the adulatory text cannot be free from fear by mere repetition of the words. In the context of fear, devotion becomes exaggerated and the identification with Isht or the person's ideal becomes complete; it is then that fear comes to an end. It is essential to learn to establish that identification.

Saturday, May 3, 2008

Thought of the Day 3 May 2008

If everybody were to have similar thoughts then the doors to progress would be shut. Varied types of flowers and their varied colours add to the beauty of the garden. Variety is not a problem in nature. In the world of thoughts, however, variety is a problem. To be different has come to mean to be in opposition. This itself is a result of thinking. One thought is cutting into another. Can we then accept that adjustments are not natural to thoughts? It is keeping this aspect of nature in view that Acharyas of Anekant have given the sutra of relativity. The collision between one thought and another can be avoided only on the basis of relativity.

Friday, May 2, 2008

Thought of the Day 2 May 2008

It is in the law of nature to move and to rest. If one were constantly moving, then the power of movement would gradually weaken. If one were to only rest, then laziness will overpower one and it will be one failure after another. Therefore it is that a balance has to be found between movement and non-movement or rest. This is the fundamental basis for Kayotsarg. The present age is the age of tension. In this age this balance is very essential. Practise thinking and non-thinking. Practise talking and remaining silent. This is an essential part of the daily routine of Jain monks. It seems as if in the present day lifestyle, this should be an essential part of everybody's routine.

Thursday, May 1, 2008

Thought of the Day 1 May 2008

Many people know how to accumulate wealth, but few know how to utilize it. Ancient thinker have described three states of Wealth :
Bhog (Consumption)
Daan (Charity) and
Naash (Destruction).
The third stage of destruction, arises in the absence of the first two stages, of consumption, that is fulfillment of personal need, and charity for the development of society. Wealth does not stay permanently with anyone. After a certain duration, its destruction is inevitable. The fourth stage is Visarjan or relinquishment. The one who is capable of visarjan, also knows the limits of consumption or Bhog, and even knows how best to use it. The stage of destruction will not arise in the case of the one who knows how to relinquish.