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 oneβs life, one must pursue it with full effort and without exceptions, allowing it to become a foundational aspect of oneβs 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.
Faith is one foot on the ground, one foot in the air, and a queasy feeling in the stomach.
It is a strange trade that of advocacy. Your intellect, your highest heavenly gift is hung up in the shop window like a loaded pistol for sale.
All thought is a feat of association; having what's in front of you bring up something in your mind that you almost didn't know you knew
-But rational thoughts lead only to rational thoughts, whereas irrational thoughts lead to new experiences.
The real things haven't changed. It is still best to be honest and truthful; to make the most of what we have; to be happy with simple pleasures; and have courage when things go wrong.
When something feels right, that means it is right for you. Pay attention to your authentic feelings, and follow where they lead.
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