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People like them should be considered either a subject of
compassion or indifference.” I will make up my mind in such
a way but will surely not get angry.
You made this resolution and after that if someone committed
a mistake because of which you had to face a problem, then
you have to ensure that you do not get angry at all. You have
to stick to your resolution of a forgiving nature at all times.
This is developing Sthitapragyata for forgiveness.
(2) Sulsa’s Sthitapragyata :
Sulsa Shravika’s mind was steady in religion at all times. To
test her steadiness, two Devas from heaven took the form
of Jain saints and came to her house to seek Lakshapaka oil
in alms. Sulsa greeted then warmly, “How fortunate I am to
have received the chance to do Supatradana* and serve sick
saints !” After that she told her servant to fetch the oil bottle
from the cupboard. With their magical powers, the Devas
invisibly broke the bottle. Not only one but the second and
third bottles were also broken by them ! But Sulsa did not get
angry on her servant even once. Sulsa lost all her medicine
bottles as well as the precious chance of Supatradana. In spite
of this, she did not lose her temper. Because Sulsa’s resolution
of forgiveness was steady. She had the courage to stand by
her resolution ?
That is why the Indra* praised her religious faith and courage
in his court. He said, “On this earth, there lives a great
Shravika Sulsa whose religious faith cannot be moved even by
the powerful Devas like you.” Hearing this, a Deva had come
down to test Sulsa and in spite of the entire situation he created,
Sulsa did not get angry or annoyed. Sulsa’s virtue of forgive-
ness pleased the Deva and he told Sulsa to ask for a boon.
* Supatradana – The act of giving alms to Jain Saints.
* Indra – Head of all celestial beings i.e., Devas and Devis.
24. Sthitapragyata (Steadiness of Mind) 117