Way of Life Part 3

SR No.: 006515
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Bhadraguptasuri
Publisher: Vishvakalyan Prakashan Trust Mehsana
Publication Year: 1986
Total Pages: 348
Language: English
Classification: Book_English & Religion
File Size: 18 MB

Page 105

DISCOURSE 55
Another gentleman told me once that during night times, for three days, he heard a voice, "Take me out! Take me out!" The gentleman could not understand anything. He consulted an experienced magician. The magician heard all the details; and said, "Something is lying buried under your house. You dig up and see". He also showed him the spot. When they dug there, they saw a skeleton there underground. After it was taken out, he grew prosperous and there was peace in his family.
THE WORLD OF GHOSTS AND SPECTRES IS VAST
One from the Audience: You have been talking about ghosts and spectres. Are there ghosts really?
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Maharajashri : They do exist. The world of the lower kinds of heavenly beings is vast. The Jain dharma speaks of four states of existence in Samsar. The four states are:
(1) The state of heavenly beings;
(2) The state of human beings;
(3) The state of animals and birds; and (4) The state of inhabitants of hell.
There are countless gods in the heavenly world. There are also goddesses. There are many classes among them. Those classifications are based on various factors. They are based on wealth and virtues. Among the heavenly beings, there is a class of beings called Vyanthars (evil spirits). There are many kinds of Vyanthars. Of them, bhutas (ghosts) constitute one kind. Of course, all bhutas do not cause calamities. Bhutas or ghosts may be good or wicked. There are both the kinds. Those men who die with their attachments unbroken and with their desires unfulfilled are born as bhutas or ghosts. If their desires, good or wicked, rise to the surface and if they become awake, they with their divine power called Vibhang-jnan recollect their experiences of their previous life. If they remember the event of a murder, i.e. of their own murder or of a person dear to them, and if they desire to avenge that murder, they come to this world of human beings. They go away after taking the contemplated revenge.