Atmatatva Vichar Or Philosophy Of Soul

SR No.: 023322
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Vijaylakshmansuri, Ghanshyam Joshi, Kirtivijay Gani
Publisher: Mohanlal D Mehta
Publication Year: 1963
Total Pages: 568
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 39 MB

Page 50

PHILOSOPHY OF SOUL
bore good moral conduct and was very anxious to do any benevolent act for others.
The king was quite the reverse in his conduct. He condemned religion and disliked the minister's religious mode of life. The minister was very efficient and hence he could never be reprimanded by the king. Once upon a time on the fourteenth day of the month the minister observed "Poshaha" (religious rite) as instructed by his preceptor. He used to spend his time in religious rites. Now the minister was urgently required in the court but he was found absent. The soldiers were sent, to summon the minister. The soldiers arrived at the minister's place but they learned that the minister was observing "Poshaha" before his preceptor. They simply conveyed that he was required by the king in the court. Ordinary man would leave the religious observance and would run to the court thinking the "Poshaha" could be observed next day or the day after as how could he defy the king's order! Such defiance would secure starvation or a scaffold for him. But this minister was fully actuated with religious fervour; so he preferred religion to his duties towards the kingdom or the king. He replied to the soldiers, “I observe Poshaha to-day, I regret I won't be able to attend to-day.”
The king received this reply and his eyes turned red with fury. He said, “What does this minister mean in his mind? How would he defy my orders? He lives upon my coffers and he serves religion! I would set him right." Reflecting thus, he sent one trustworthy body-guard to the minister and conveyed, “Come to the court or send back the symbolic ring of ministership." The bodyguard by birth was a barber and you know about barbers that they are skilled in creating conflicts among parties and persons. They would flatter also for their selfish motives.
He boldly declared, "Come to the court or return the symbolic ring of ministership, i.e. resign from the post of a minister.” This was a very critical moment for the minister. If he resigned he would lose his livelihood and reputation. Still, without any reluctance or reflection he handed over the ring to the bodyguard. Under the autocratic measure of the king the minister resigned from his post but he did not withdraw himself from his religious observance.