z:\ ambedkar\vol 011\vol11 03.indd MK SJ+YS 5 10 2013/YS 18 11 2013 125
THE CONVERSION OF THE PARIVRAJAKAS
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“ Samma Ditti requires the abandonment of superstition and supernaturalism.
“ Samma Ditti requires the abandonment of all doctrines which are mere speculations without any basis in fact or experience.
“ Samma Ditti requires free mind and free thought.
“Every man has aims, aspirations and ambitions. Samma Sankappo teaches that such aims, aspirations and ambitions shall be noble and praiseworthy and not ignoble and unworthy.
“ Samma Vacca (Right Speech) teaches : (1) that one should speak only that which is true ; (2) that one should not speak what is false ; (3) that one should not speak evil of others ; (4) that one should refrain from slander ; (5) that one should not use angry and abusive language towards any fellow man ; (6) that one should speak kindly and courteously to all ; (7) that one should not indulge in pointless, foolish talk, but let his speech be sensible and to the purpose.
“The observance of Right Speech, as I have explained, is not to be the result of fear or favour. It is not to have the slightest reference to what any superior being may think of his action or to any loss which Right Speech may involve.
“The norm for Right Speech is not the order of the superior or the personal benefit to the individual.
“ Samma Kamanto teaches right behaviour. It teaches that every action should be founded on respect for the feelings and rights of others.
“What is the norm for Samma Kamanto ? The norm is that course of conduct which is most in harmony with the fundamental laws of existence.
“When his actions are in harmony with these laws they may be taken to be in accord with Samma Kamanto.
“Every individual has to earn his livelihood. But there are ways and ways of earning one’s livelihood. Some are bad ; some are good. Bad ways are those
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