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 183

DISCOURSE 85
173
King Sayaji Rao presided over the conference and the speaker was a gentleman from Bombay who professed to espouse the cause of kindness to animals. It was summer. There were no fans over the stage. After the formalities were over, the chief speaker stood up and began speaking. The speech was going on very well. He was also perspiring profusely. In order to wipe off the perspiration on his face, he took out his handkerchief from his pocket but along with the handkerchief there came out an egg also; people heard the noise of the egg falling on the stage. King Sayaji Rao laughed at it. He got up and said, "Now-a-days, people eat eggs to get physical strength and energy. This gentleman has brought the egg from Bombay to illustrate this point".
How can a man who himself eats eggs preach the ideal of (kindness to animals) jivadaya to others? How can a preacher who is himself irritable preach the ideal of forgiveness to others? How can a preacher who is himself ensnared in attachments and hatred exhort others to discard those inner enemies? How can a preacher who is himself attached to sensual pleasures preach the doctrine of renunciation to others? Therefore, the thirteenth quality mentioned is of great importance. The preacher of Dharma must be a man of spiritual excellence and attainments.
14. The fourteenth quality that a preacher should possess is contentment. A preacher of dharma must be contented. He should not be avaricious. He should not deliver discourses, with any ulterior motive. He should not have any desire or attachment for the physical objects in samsar, "If I deliver an excellent discourse, people will become my devotees. They will give me excellent garments and vessels. They will spend lakhs of rupees for my discourses". He should not have such mundane desires. He should not also put forth a condition like this, "If you pay me so much, I will deliver a discourse to you”.
I have to impress upon you that it is the duty of householders to listen to discourses every day but you must first realise to what kind of preacher, you must listen. Therefore, to-day, I have explained to you the qualities that should be