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

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THE WAY OF LIFE
political sphere, such jealousies are common. "Pulling others down from their seats and occupying those seats.” This is what commonly happens.
Question: We agree that our spiritual activities should be carried out in conformity with the prescriptions; and we also know that such activities bring auspicious results; but we wish to know what loss is incurred if spiritual activities are not performed according to prescriptions.
Answer: Surely, there will be loss. Where can be any doubt in this matter? If you do not answer questions in a court as you are instructed to do by your lawyer; and if you speak senseless things you will certainly lose your case. If you want to build a house, you have to build it according to your engineer's advice and prescriptions. If you do not build it according to the engineer's instructions will you not suffer a loss?
WHY DID DRAUPADI MARRY FIVE HUSBANDS ?
Draupadi had five husbands. She was the wife of the Pandavas. Why did Draupadi have to marry five husbands? A certain incident of her purvajanma (previous life) was the cause for it. There can be no effect without a cause. If any incident occurs, there should be a cause for it. According to the Jain Maha Bharath in her purvajanma (previous life), Draupadi was a Sadhvi i.e. a sanyasin. She had received initiation into Charitradharma i.e. life of spiritual endeavour. One must carry out the Charitradharma, (the life of a mendicant) as described and prescribed by the Tirtankars and Ganadhars. Only then the initiation into Charitradharma becomes Dharma. The vow of celibacy in the case of a Sadhu; and in the case of a Sadhvi is equal to a sacred austerity; but there is a difference between the two. The aim should be to adhere to the vow. That Sadhvi entertained a desire : "I too like sadhus will go to a cemetery during night times and begin performing meditation. When a sadhu can go to a cemetery in the night alone; why should not a Sadhvi go thus ?” She placed before her preceptress her idea. The preceptress said, “Look here! In every matter, Sadhvis cannot imitate Sadhus. If you want to perform medita