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 132

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THE WAY OF LIFE
in society increased. His income declined completely; and in his business, he incurred a heavy loss. Yet in order to keep up his prestige, he continued to give donations. He was managing his household affairs with difficulty but with patience. Expenditure was exceeding income. He spent away the money that had been entrusted to him by others. Debts greatly increased. What could he do now? He had no other way than death out of that adversity. He, one day, committed suicide.
Of course, you cannot depend only on good fortune to get income; you must also put forth your efforts to earn money. You have to carry out your endeavours in the right direction and to the right extent. Yet the decisive factor is good fortune or punya (merit). Therefore, it is always right and proper to spend according to your income.
Only those who act according to the principle: "Income according to expenditure", commit the sins of stealing and acting dishonestly. A certain government officer once told me that his wife had the habit of spending money lavishly. His salary would be spent in 15 days. The officer prevailed upon his wife to spend money carefully and thoughtfully. He said to her: "Spend money carefully. If you spend like this, how can we manage ?" The wife did not pay heed to his words. The officer felt helpless; and out of compelling necessity, he began to take bribes and to adopt dishonest means to earn money. He began to earn four times his salary. His wife was delighted.... They rented a large bungalow; and acquired furniture, a fridge, fans and a telephone etc. But one day, she received a message on the phone that the officer had been caught red-handed while accepting bribes; that he had been dismissed from his job; and that he had been arrested. The wife of the officer began to weep bitterly; what else could she do? She had to sell one by one, all the articles she had acquired.
The minds of those who spend according to their income, are always free from fears and worries. The minds of such people can be free from certain worries and fears. They need not incur debts. They do not have the problem of always thinking about their financial problems.