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PHILOSOPHY OF SOUL
fair deal of profit and not a transaction of loss. Just listen carefully what are the benefits of religion.
One who leads righteous life is born in a highly cultured and noble family. This is indeed a great benefit. Those who are born in low and mean family learn to act sinfully right from the begin ning. They become skilled in such sinful acts. Just consider the plight of those born in koli, Vaghari, slaughterer, leather-tanner, thief or robber family and you will be able to estimate the value of a birth in a noble family.
Those who follow the path of religion are fully equipped with the powers of all senses—a great advantage indeed-some are lame, limping, stammerers, deaf, or blind. Such handicapped persons have to undergo lot of sufferings in life. In comparison, a person with all the five senses in tact is much happier.
Blessedness is achieved by observing religion. Blessedness means winning affection from all. You all aspire for the blessedness achieved by merchant Kayvanna, but you never care to find out how he achieved that blessedness. That merchant achieved that blessedness only by properly observing religion.
Long life is secured by properly resorting to religion. Some die in the womb of the mother before they are born and some are nipped in the bud after they are born. What is the purpose of humar existence of such soul ? With long life, man can undergo pilgrimages and penances to render human existences fruitful. Thus, long life indeed is of great advantage for following the path of religion.
Proper practice of religion begets physical strength. Those who are weak and emaciated are harassed by many and their life is wrecked. Thus, physical strength is one of the means of success in life.
Proper practice of religion secures unadulterated fame, knowledge and wealth. Who does not choose fame? Every one likes to be wished by a few persons and to be seated in front. Only the performer of religion can secure fame alround and none else. A learned man is respected by all but his learning is attributed to the practice of religion. Wealth or prosperity also is the product of religion.
