If you want to cultivate a habit, do it without any reservation, till it is firmly established. Until it is so confirmed, until it becomes a part of your character, let there be no exception, no relaxation of effort.
Interpretation
To establish a habit, practice it consistently and with commitment until it becomes an integral part of yourself.
This quote by Mahavira emphasizes the importance of dedication and unwavering commitment in cultivating habits. It suggests that in order to truly integrate a habit into one’s life, one must pursue it with full effort and without exceptions, allowing it to become a foundational aspect of one’s character over time.
In practice
In a self-improvement seminar discussing the importance of consistent habits.
If one undertakes retrospection of the day's events, one must do it regularly at the appointed hour, not fitfully, not doing it today, neglecting to do it tomorrow and the day after and then taking it up again on the fourth day. Such irregular practice is not conducive to the confirmation of the habit of retrospection.
Attachment and aversion are the root cause of karma, and karma originates from infatuation. Karma is the root cause of birth and death, and these are said to be the source of misery. None can escape the effect of their own past karma.
Start the practice of self-control with some penance; begin with fasting.
Anger begets more anger, and forgiveness and love lead to more forgiveness and love.
Modes are infinite, and laws are infinite.
Eating constitutes the greatest obstacle to self-control; it gives rise to indolence.
We can learn much from wise words, little from wisecracks, and less from wise guys.
Only one enemy is worse than despair: indifference. In every area of human creativity, indifference is the enemy; indifference of evil is worse than evil, because it is also sterile.
I remember when people used to think I was smart. I remember when people used to think my brain was useful. Damaged by water, sure. And ready to seizure at any moment. But still useful, and maybe even a little bit beautiful and sacred and magical.
After much seeking for truth and knowledge the profoundness of reality came to me with a clarity never before known.
I would give all the wealth of the world, and all the deeds of all the heroes, for one true vision.
With parsimony a little is sufficient; without it nothing is sufficient; but frugality makes a poor man rich.
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