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56
THE WAY OF LIFE
anomalies and mockeries. On account of them, man is caught in the grip of grief. What kind of life is this? In this life, there is no satisfaction; there is no peace; there is no enthusiasm and there is no bright future. A change in this condition is impossible as long as people do not get rid of their ignorance and indiscipline.
Do you consider ignorance as ignorance? Do you consider indiscipline as indiscipline? Will you drink poison deeming it Amrit (nectar) ? Sometimes, such things also happen.
What is the use of glorifying brightness in the presence of a man who loves darkness? What is the use of glorifying fragrance in the presence of a man who loves foul smell? In the same manner, it is useless to praise knowledge, enlightenment or enlightened people in the presence of those who love ignorance. What is the use of glorifying noble conduct and conventions in the presence of those who love ignoble conduct and conventions ?
I have exhorted you many times to acquire a thorough knowledge of nine tatvas or elements. The nine entities are :
1. Jiva (living things) 2. Ajiva (non-living things) 3. Punya (merit) 4. Papa (sins) 5. Ashrav (evil actions) 6. Samvar (good deeds) 7. Bandh (bondage) 8. Nirjara (free from karmas) 9. Moksh (salvation).
You must have a knowledge of these elements. Have you acquired that knowledge ? You have not. Why? You have no taste for knowledge. You take delight in your ignorance. LOVE NOBLE ACTIVITIES AND AUSTERITIES
How many times have I told you that you should discard such sinful actions as eating meat, drinking liquors, gambling and hunting? You do not commit these sins in your life; but
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