Way of Life Part 4

SR No.: 006516
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Bhadraguptasuri
Publisher: Vishvakalyan Prakashan Trust Mehsana
Publication Year: 1986
Total Pages: 430
Language: English
Classification: Book_English & Religion
File Size: 17 MB

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THE WAY OF LIFE
worry his friends and relatives. Stealing and speaking falsehood become natural to such a man.
A man who is blinded by the desire for wealth cannot think of his soul; cannot think of great men; and cannot also think of the Paramatma. He does not also care to think of the difficulties and problems of others; nor does he realise his duties towards. his friends and relatives.
talva.
THE STORY OF A KING WHO WAS COVETOUS
A certain king by name Siddharaj who was thus blinded by his avarice was ruling over Gujarat in the 11th and 12th centuries of the Vikram Era. He had a great desire to extend his kingdom. He always kept waging wars against other kings in order to conquer their kingdoms. He carried on a war for twelve years in order to conquer the kingdom of Junagadh, in Saurashtra. He wasted the most precious years of his life thus but one day there appeared another king who could open his eyes. He was king Madan Varma of Malva.
When Siddharaj invaded Malva, Siddharaj's messengers went to meet King Madan Varma. Madan Varma never met messengers; so the messengers met the Chief Minister of Malva. The Chief Minister conveyed Siddharaj's message to Madan Varma. Madan Varma said to his Chief Minister, "Give that covetous King Siddharaj as much money as he wants and send him away"
The Chief Minister conveyed Madan Varma's message to Siddharaj's messengers. The messengers returned to Siddharaj and said, “Your Highness, this is the reply sent by Madan Varma, "Give that covetous king, Siddharaj the money he wants and send him away. If he gets money, he will go away". Madan Varma does not meet messengers. He does not attend his court throughout the day and night. He remains in his palace immersed in the enjoyment of sensual pleasures."
On hearing the words of the messengers, Siddharaj fell into deep thoughtfulness. "He has called me a covetous king. He is ready to pay me as much money as I want. He remains in the