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
एवं स्वधर्मसंयुक्तं सद्गार्हस्थ्यं करोति यः ।
लोकद्धयेऽप्यसौ धीमान सुखमाप्नोत्यनिन्दितम् ॥ १॥
(“Those noble and intelligent householders who live in accordance with these ordinary principles of the grihasthadharma, will attain commendable felicity in this life, in this world as well as in the other world”.)
Who does not desire happiness in this world ? All jivas aspire for happiness. The Bhogi (one who loves worldly pleasures) desires happiness and the yogi (one who loves spiritual excellence) also desires happiness. The man who is attached to the world desires happiness; the man who is detached also desires happiness; but I would like to ask you, “What kind of happiness do you desire ?"
THERE ARE TWO KINDS OF HAPPINESS
There are two kinds of happiness in this world. One is condemnable happiness and the other is commendable happiness. Both these types are present in this world. One kind of happiness is such that when you enjoy it, the world condemns you. The other kind of happiness is such that when you attain it, the world commends you. Now you tell me, which kind of happiness you desire.
From the Audience: Of course, we desire only commendable happiness.
Maharajashri : If you really desire commendable happiness then you practise the ordinary principles of the grihasthadharma that have been expounded in the Dharmabindu and which I have explained to you in these discourses. If you do not practise these ordinary principles and if you practise the special principles ignoring the ordinary ones, you may get some happiness but that will be censurable. The special principles are worshipping the Paramatma, rendering service to the Gurumaharaj, going on pilgrimages, rendering charity; and carrying out spiritual austerities. By observing these principles, ignoring the ordinary principles you may get some happiness but you