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 151

DISCOURSE 58
139
But we feel sad to find that society esteems those who drink and use other intoxicants, if they are rich. The tendency to worship the wealthy is widespread in the world, though those wealthy people commit ignoble and sinful actions. That is why now-a-days, all people greatly desire to become rich. "If you
have some five or ten lakhs with you society will not at all condemn you whatever you may do; so you can do anything you like". This opinion has become deep-rooted in the minds of people. The sinful actions of the rich become fashions and others eagerly imitate them. Their sinful activities pass for social etiquette.
BE CAUTIOUS REGARDING THE SIN OF ILLICIT SEXUAL INTIMACY
The fifth widespread sinful practice is illicit sexual intimacy. Man seeking the company of women other than his wife and a woman seeking the company of men other than her husband – outwardly it is social cordiality, inwardly it is illicit sexuality. These people stain such a sacred thing as cordiality. If a young man has no girl-friend, such a young man is condemned as an orthodox person. If a young lady does not have a boy-friend, that young lady becomes a butt of ridicule. Illicit sexual intimacy is not at all deemed a sin. What a frightful and disgusting age has come!
In the past, such ignoble and sinful traditions prevailed only in foreign countries, but now, they are prevalent in our country also. In addition to the sin of illicit sexuality, homosexuality also has become a new fashion. Physical and sensual passion has grown strong in people; and this sinful propensity has been spreading. My exhortation to you is that you should not be carried away by the floods of this impetuous river which takes men directly to the nether world.
I will complete this discourse after discussing one more tradition. In olden days, each area had its own style in dress and decorations. Gujarat had its own style; Maharashtra had its style; Rajasthan had its own style and Madhya Pradesh had its style of dress and decorations. Each area had its own dis