Way of Life Part 1

SR No.: 006513
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Bhadraguptasuri
Publisher: Vishvakalyan Prakashan Trust Mehsana
Publication Year: 1986
Total Pages: 432
Language: English
Classification: Book_English & Religion
File Size: 22 MB

Page 115

DISCOURSE 6
105 as prescribed in the Shastras. He says, “It is Dharma if it is carried out according to prescriptions; otherwise, it is not".
DO NOT IGNORE THE INJUNCTIONS OF THE JIN!
The real form of Dharma is being described. It is not only the present life that is concerned with Dharma; the question of all your future lives is concerned with it. Negligence, at present, destroys the happiness of all your future lives. I do not insist that you must commence all the austerities at once, to-day, but I insist that whatever spiritual activities you carry out, you must perform them according to the words of the Jin, and with a proper knowledge of those prescriptions. Where should they be carried out ? With what mental state and attitude should they be carried out ? With what aids and substances should they be performed ? Think well about these points. In case, some mistake occurs at any time; and mistakes can occur; never say this : "Everything is right. All people perform austerities in the wrong manner. Who will perform, at least, these austerities in this life? We shall perform our austerities only thus. The shastras may contain many prescriptions. We cannot follow all those rules". Do not utter such despicable words. Never neglect the prescriptions of the Jin. If you cannot perform those activities, do not perform them but do not introduce the element of impropriety and irregularity into your spiritual activities.
Remember this point. It is not a great mistake if you do not perform spiritual activities which are in conformity with the prescriptions; but it is a terrible sin to believe that impropriety is beneficial and to treat the prescriptions with disrespect and contempt. It is adharma or unrighteousness. Committing sins in life, out of ignorance is not a great sin; but it is really dangerous to believe that sin should be committed and to do sinful activities deliberately and for the fun of it. On account of this, you will be bound by Nikachit (inevitable) Karma and you cannot get relief from it unless you taste and experience all the dreadful fruits of that Karma.