Kshema, Shanti and Virya

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Kshema and Shanti are twin virtues which have very little to distinguish one from the other. Forgiveness and forbearance are the two faces of the same coin. Both of these virtues need to be cultivated in abundance.

If a man lacks of these virtues, he is truly poor and unhappy man. He will not only remain miserable hilself but he will also bring untold misery onto others. One has real need to forgive one's enemies for unless one has done it freely and in full measure he cannot be at peace with himself and with the world.

The virtue of forbearance and patience in difficult circumstances has to be also assiduously cultivated.

Virya is another noble virtue which all men of high endeavour must zealously cultivate. Unless a man is fearless, brave and active, he can never accomplish a difficult task ahead. A man who is prey to fears, who always tries to save his skin, who is afraid of consequences, is a very poor specimen of humanity.

He dies without any accomplishment to his credit. A man who is assailed by fear is a man who has no faith in the Dharma.

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