Page 29 - Courage Redifined

In her previous birth, Anjana Sundari had stolen her co-wife's
idol of Arihanta Lord and thrown it in a garbage dump because
of jealousy. A friend of her supported her in this misdeed and
therefore, she also accumulated negative Karmas. As a result,
in the next birth when Anjana Sundari had to roam about
alone in the forest, she became her friend Vasantilaka who
had to face similar difficulties.

Wrong deeds and sinful acts definitely contaminate our soul,
but talking to a sinner and supporting and consenting to his
acts also leads to accumulation of Karmas, which contaminates
our soul.

Thus, in today's times, it is dangerous to be interested in talks
and gossips. You may think that during such conversations
you may get to know something useful but you do not realise
that actually you end up consenting to the opponent’s sinful
talks and harming your own self. Hence it is better to stay
away from such talks.

Q : But what if such a talkative person comes and sits at
your place ? You have no choice but to participate in
the talks.

A : If you are in such a position, then you should start some
religious talks. Start talking about someone's good deed
or benevolent act. If the opponent starts some negative
conversation, then you can divert his talks and try to
explain him by saying, “He is not responsible. His karmas
are compelling him to act in such a manner. He may be
successful today but one day he will have to pay for
his acts. We should look at the better side of the coin.
Otherwise there are many such bad things happening
around. How much will we see and criticize ?” Thus,
you can stop the opponent’s talks and then change the
topic, “Look, he is such a gentleman.” Inspite of this,
The Brahmin Dies... 19