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 97

DISCOURSE 79
You must acquire a knowledge of the pervasive nature of karmas. You acquire a full knowledge of the external and internal spiritual austerities. While performing the external austerities, you must proceed towards internal austerities. There are such internal austerities as scriptural studies, meditation, politeness, Kayotsarg, Prayaschit etc. These internal austerities possess an extraordinary power to cause the destruction of karmas. In your life as grihastas, you must properly perform these external and internal austerities.
From the Audience : What is meant by the expression; "A proper performance"?
Maharajashri: It means that you should perform those austerities in such a way that they do not impede or affect your endeavours relating to Artha (earning money) and kama (fulfilment of mundane desires). In the life of a grihasta, the endeavours relating to Artha and Kama are of great importance. The meaning of Artha (wealth) is this :
"ga: Fatrafafe: atsef: " What a comprehensive definition has the commentator given to Artha (wealth) ? Artha or wealth is that by which we can attain all our objectives. Artha means any movable or immovable property. Wealth, splendour, money, lands, houses – all these are called artha. We can attain our objectives even by means of wealth. All the activities relating to the life of a grihasta can be carried out with wealth. A man devoid of wealth, that is, a poor man cannot carry on the activities relating to his life as a householder. Therefore, man should not neglect the endeavour relating to artha. A man should not desire to acquire more wealth when he has wealth enough to carry on the activities of his life as a householder. In other words, he should not be entangled in the meshes of his desire to acquire excessive wealth. If a man is entangled in any one of these three endeavours, the other endeavours would be affected and that neglect would cause loss to him. For instance, a man who is deeply entangled in his endeavours to acquire wealth may neglect his objectives of Dharma and