________________
DISCOURSE 51
33
disturbances. Therefore, those who desire to live peacefully and felicitously should leave large cities and settle down in villages.
MONEY CANNOT BE GOT WITHOUT LABOUR
From the Congregation: If we do not live in large cities, we will find it difficult to make a living. Business fails in villages.
Maharajashri: What you say is a half-truth. Do people live in cities only to make a living? Why do not affluent people possessing lots of money and wealth leave cities ? Another point. Those who want only to make a living can start a small business, in villages also. But there you have to put forth special efforts; and do work. Now-a-days, literate people do not like to do work. They want to become millionaires without doing any work. In villages, people cannot become rich like that. Therefore, people leave villages and go away to large cities. They would rather live amidst disturbances than leave cities. Do you know why such a thing happens? People do not look at life from the spiritual point of view. The desire to carry out spiritual activities is absent. People are interested only in earning money and in the fulfilment of their worldly desires. People do not attach importance to physical well-being and mental peace. People are interested in earning more and more and in securing more and more amenities, comforts and pleasures. Well, people would carry out some spiritual activities incidentally not with dedication and devotion. * Amenities and comforts are not available in villages. * In villages, there are no amusements and entertainments. * In villages, people cannot enjoy the pleasure of wandering
on bazaars; and eating and drinking in hotels and restau
rants. * Fashions and pleasures are not found in villages. * In villages, there are no opportunities for races and specula
tion. Large-scale business cannot be carried out. Your minds are full of many such ideas. Tell me whether you have these ideas or not. But you have to think of this point also.
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org