Page 134 - Courage Redifined

Do some self-introspection and check whether you possess
the inner impurity of not being able to bear the prosperity
of others and accordingly, you are burning with jealousy and
hatred.

In spite of following religions rituals throughout your life,
isn’t it the soul’s misfortune if it cannot forsake the impurity
of jealousy ? Doesn’t religion teach you to leave this very
trait ? This inner impurity comes along with us to the next
birth. Will we be able to forget it ?

Mind well, a mistake committed due to ignorance remains
here and does not get carried forward to the next birth while
the impure state of the soul developed here is bound to be
carried along in the next birth because it is the soul’s own
doing.

By being jealous of the happy, wealthy or virtuous people,
you have inculcated such a state of the soul which is sure to
accompany you in the next birth. Other impurities similar to
these are also likely to follow.

Another inner impurity is of becoming egoistic and proud
in every other thing. You attain knowledge and feel like
showing it off in front of people who do not possess such
knowledge. Similarly, you attain a little wealth or status and
pride envelops your mind. Even after doing some penance
or charity, if you wish that people know about it, then it is
a song of pride. If you feel that people should respect you
at all times or that you should always look good, then this
also depicts an egoistic nature. All these are inner impurities.
Check the level of impurity in your life.

Another such impurity is of selfishness. A person who is
blinded by such selfishness is not bothered by the sufferings
or sorrows of others. He is just concerned about his own

124 Courage Redefined