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

Page 123

DISCOURSE 81
113
DHARMAPURUSHARTHA ALSO HAS TO BE CARRIED OUT WITH EQUANIMITY
The author says that a man has to carry out endeavours to earn money in order to take care of his family. In the same manner, a householder has to carry out the Kamapurushartha also. If a man wants to remain celibate throughout his life, he should not marry. If he marries, his sensual desires and those of his wife have to be satisfied. If both the husband and the wife voluntarily decide to observe the vow of celibacy, they can carry it out happily. If the wife desires to undertake the vow of celibacy, she must secure her husband's consent to it. In such a case, if the husband also decides to observe celibacy then both can lead a celibate life with happy and peaceful minds.
If in a family, the husband decides to lead a celibate life without the consent of his wife or if the wife decides to lead a celibate life without the consent of her husband, then several evils will arise in that family. If a householder does not satisfy the sensual desires of his wife and if the wife cannot control her sensual desires, such a woman would develop intimacy with some other man and when she gets an opportunity she may take to immoral ways. Immorality and ignobility will enter and pollute her life. In the same manner, if a woman decides to live a celibate life without the consent of her husband and if she does not satisfy the sensual desires of her husband, that man will seek the company of some other woman for the satisfaction of his sensual desires. Thus, immorality and ignobility will enter the life of that man. It is for this reason that the author exhorts householders not to pursue the Dharmapurushartha neglecting the Kamapurushartha. If you act against this principle, you will be responsible for your own people taking to immoral ways and if such a thing happens, you will have committed a sin.
From the Audience : Can we not decide to lead a celibate life without the consent of our wives ?
Maharajashri : What have you been listening to ? After your marriage, you cannot think of yourself only. You have to