This chapter is the English translation of Gujarati Book Title - Sadhak and Sathi Author - Shri Atmanandji (Dr. Soneji) CHAPTER - 32 VIRTUES OF OTHERS (GUNA-PRAMODA) Gunapramod or delight over the virtues of others as defined as a state of experience of real joy and enthusiasm over virtues of other persons, which are of better qualities than ones own. So many exceptionally talented personalities are seen in this world, in various spheres of activities. That is the reason why it is stated that "The earth is the mother that nourishes so many jewels known as great personalities." Several types of greatness and virtues can be visualized in the noble persons in the world, such as that of knowledge, self-restraint, devotion, meditation, charity, intelligence, adventure, patience, firm determination, tolerance, discipline, regularity, joyousness, introversion, rationalism, vision of reality, specialized Knowledge, simplicity, humility, self-surrender, a spirit of service, and so on. When one is overwhelmed with joy on finding such fine virtues actually manifested in day-to-day life and is induced to imbibe them, the virtue of delighting to be among the virtuous is said to be present. True recognition of any virtue is the first step in the process of acquiring that virtue in one's life, and close association with the persons who have cultivated the same is indeed the best means to truly recognize it. The Sadhaka should first observe the virtue and its impact on the daily life of the virtuous person, with an open mind. During this process, when he feels inclined to that virtue, he should then endeavor to cultivate the same in his life. Even though this is a long-term plan, it is going to be a sure success with sincere efforts and practice, genuine willingness, firm desire and constant endeavor. A sincere spirit of constant effort speeds up considerably the dawning of the virtues in the first stage. An attraction for the virtue can be gradually developed by giving constant support to its practice, sincerely and repeatedly. Once the aptitude for the virtue has arisen, the process will catalize in due course of time and can still be further enhanced by company of the judicious and virtuous. Whenever we come across virtuous persons, we should really respect them by praising their virtues. We should encourage and appreciate them by writing to them if they live at a distance. We should especially honor them and encourage their pious deeds by rendering multifaceted and appropriate services, by reciting hymns in their praise and worship and by offering them a special reception and respect. In this manner, the Sadhaka gives a live expression to his internal delight about their virtues; and by imbibing and inheriting those virtues in his life, honors them in true spiritual form. Thus the Sadhaka is expected to adopt the program of delighting in the virtues of others methodically by learning and practicing new virtues and reviving the old ones already acquired earlier. The Sadhaka, who follows this scrupulously himself becomes a great saint through the vast accumulation of many sublime virtues. LIVING EXAMPLE OF DELIGHT AT VIRTUES: Over a hundred years ago in the year 1883 when Swami Dayananda Saraswati, a great torch-bearer of Indian culture died. Efforts were made therefore, by his devotees to prepare a fine biography of Swamiji. One devotee of Swamiji very humbly approached a great scholar disciple and said, "You are a great scholar, you know Swamiji's doctrines so well. You are thoroughly acquainted with his life. Please write a biography of Swamiji. It will be a permanent memorial to Swamiji and will inspire future generations to a higher and nobler life." The scholar-disciple replied, "Well, friend, the work has already begun and will end at the proper time." The devotee replied, "We are very grateful to you. Kindly set aside all other works and complete this work as early as possible." The scholar-disciple said, "Well brother, our viewpoints are diametrically opposed. The biography on Swamiji is a living one. I am writing it with every moment of my life by adopting his qualities. That is how I am writing his biography. For that itself, great effort, an awakened self and renunciation are necessary. It would take a long time and I would not feel satisfied simply by writing about his life on paper. Just a parrot-like description of his virtues can surely not create a real memorial to Swamiji." At this time we should follow his principles and live our lives the way he did, and that way we will be able to continue his work.