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 139

DISCOURSE 57.
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doing some noble deeds. A great philosophical poet has said this, "We cannot be sure of the next moment; so whatever noble deeds you wish to do, do them at once. Who knows what will happen tomorrow”.
If you put aside one part of your income for noble purposes you will have enthusiasm to do noble deeds and to perform spiritual austerities. You will be generous in this regard. You will not have the problem of finding money for your spiritual activities. Yes, you should not spend too much on spiritual activities and cause trouble and inconvenience to your family. You should not spend so much on spiritual activities as will prevent you from saving money. Some people spend on spiritual activities more than they can afford, They do not save anything. They incur debts or they spend away what has been entrusted to them by others. This kind of thing brings about new difficulties. When those who spend a lot on spiritual activities become poor and insolvent, people will blame dharma. The faith of people in dharma will be shaken. People will not have confidence even in noble men who perform spiritual activities. This is not a small blow to dharma: It is a serious blow:
Do you approve of this arrangement of dividing your income into four parts and spending it thus? If you need not invest anything in your profession, you can divide your income into three parts. If you have lakhs of rupees at your credit in the bank and if you need not save any money keep as much of your income as is necessary for the maintenance of your family and create a religious trust out of the rest. You can also start a private trust. The government will not tax that money. Keep saving some money every year and remitting it to the trust and keep spending it for the performance of noble deeds.
The arrangement of starting a charitable and religious trust is ideal for those who are wealthy and affluent and for wealthy industrialists. In foreign countries, many industrialists have started such trusts. Even in India now-a-days some affluent people have been starting such trusts. It is your trust