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

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THE WAY OF LIFE
Just as you treat your friends, relatives etc. with hospitality, you must render service to gods (devas), .guests and destitutes. First of all, you must have a proper knowledge of gods, guests and destitutes. Later, you must understand why you should serve them; and how you should serve them.
THE KNOWLEDGE OF GODS
In the Sanskrit language there is a root-word called Div which means to glorify. The heavenly beings like Indra and others whom you glorify with a heart full of devotion are called Devas. They do not have to experience any anguish or agony; nor do they have to experience distress on account of the ripening of any evil Karma. That means they are devoid of attachments and hatred. They are victors over the inner enemies. They embody countless virtues. These gods are known by various names in this world.
Some call them Arhans; some call them Buddhas; some call them Ananthas (eternal and boundless).
People should worship gods under the names and in the forms which have come down to them through their familytradition. You need not attach importance to the names of gods; but you must give importance to the true form and nature of the gods you worship. Gods must be totally devoid of attachments and hatred; they should be omniscient; and they should be victors over the inner enemies (Vitrags). This exhortation is meant for those who do not belong to the Shasan (command) of the Omniscient, Vitrag Jineshwardev. THE KNOWLEDGE OF GUESTS
All days (or Thithis) are equal to those noble men who are always, on all days, absorbed in the performance of auspicious or sacred austerities and activities. Whether it is Chaturthi (the fourth day) or Ashtami (the eighth day) or Navami (the ninth day) or Ekadasi (the eleventh day) or Thrayodashi (the thirteenth day) or Chaturdashi (the fourteenth day) it is the same for them. All days or thithis are equal to them; therefore, they are called athithis (guests). They treat all thithis as