Page 176 - Courage Redifined

instead they are over enthusiastic to forsake their interests
whenever necessary.

The great scripture, Lalit Vistara, shows the unique
characteristics of Tirthankara Lords.
It states that the original nature of Tirthankar Lords is that
they are addicted to the acts of benevolence and are always
concerned about other’s welfare. What does addiction mean ?
Something which interests you a lot, without which you don’t
feel relaxed and whose acquisition will give you joy. Have
you seen those who are addicted to tobacco, cigarettes or other
drugs ? The Tirthankar Lords possess this level of addiction
for other’s welfare and the negligence towards one’s own
selfish interests.
If you really wish and desire spiritual welfare, then neglect
your self-interest.

One should learn to ignore their self-interests and strive to
develop an addiction for benevolent acts. If this is not achieved,
then what is the use of worshipping God and performing
rituals ? To uplift our soul from such meanness and selfishness,
we pray to God every day in ‘Jaya Viyaraya’sootra, to bless
us with the virtue of ‘parathakaranam’ i.e. helping others.

Q. : Can this virtue be achieved just by praying in front of
God ? Or do we have to actually exercise it our self ?

A. : Great Sage Haribhadrasooriji Maharaja said, prayer can
lead to fulfilment of desires. Just asking in front of God
can lead to the acquisition of all that we wish. The one
who says this is a learned, intellectual scholar. But he
still has so much faith on Arihanta Lords. Now can he
make such a statement ?

How can prayers lead to fulfilment of desires ?

A true prayer is possible only if one strongly desires the

166 Courage Redefined