________________
DISCOURSE 27
35
There is neriner peace nor felicity and there is no pursuing of spiritual objectives also. They spend all their lives only in earning money. They are always engrossed in acquiring wealth. Wealth is all in all in their life. I know some people of this kind. I have found in such people, cruelty, callousness and unkindness. They do not possess kindness or compassion. They do not have humanity and they do not pursue spiritual objectives.
Noble householders should not carry on such unfair and objectionable occupations. You must keep yourselves free from blame and condemnation. Even if you have the patience to bear with the blame, you should not carry on such low and despicable occupations. If you pursue low and despicable occupations, you will be committing sins and at the same time, the members of your family would experience agitation and worry. If people follow such occupations, evils and derogations will appear in our social life and in the country.
WE HAVE TO GET ON WITH GOVERNMENTS THAT DO NOT GIVE IMPORTANCE TO DHARMA
From the Audience : Now-a-days, governments encourage such low occupations as selling liquors. The governments give licences to merchants to carry on business in liquors. The governments provide financial aid and encouragement to people to produce movies; and they legalize abortions and permit doctors and surgeons to carry them out.
Maharajashri : The governments carry out and encourage such occupations. Our governments themselves carry on such occupations. The governments carry out the occupations that bring them money. Why are lakhs of animals being killed in slaughter-houses every day ? Do not governments run slaughterhouses ? Why? The governments have to earn money. Countless animals like monkeys are exported to foreign countries. Why ? The government has to earn money. The government encourages fisheries. In fact, the government has become a fisher. The governments are carrying on many objectionable kinds of occupations; and are encouraging and aiding people
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org