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PHILOSOPHY OF SOUL
sometime is not a reward at all as these rites and ceremonies rightly deserve to bestow.
Touching the right faith, acquisition of right faith and the benefits derived from right faith are very significant landmarks in the history of spiritual progress as since the very moment of such acquisition the Soul wandering in this endless world of existences certainly achieves emancipation in the maximum period taken for 'Ardha Pudgala-Para vartana' and in the minimum period of 'Antar-Muhurta' having annihilated all the karmas.
Worldly existence of a prophet as a prophet is only deemed to have commenced only from the moment he touched or entertained 'right-faith'. We shall explain to you how and under what circumstances this right faith is entertained with the narrative of a merchant Dhana Sarthvaha.
DHANA SARTHVAHA, A MERCHANT
There was a city named Kshita-Pratishthita in the Southern region of the island Jambudwip. There lived a rich merchant named Dhana, eminent for his liberality, serenity, patience etc. Real value lies not in ornaments of gold and diamonds but in virtues.
One day the merchant thought, "A merchant is only popular when he earns wealth, therefore, having abandoned indolence I should earn wealth despite my immense possessions. An ocean though overflowing with waters hoards more and more waters. Only as rewards of meritorious acts a man can earn wealth. Let me therefore, go to the city Vasantpura.”
With this resolve he proclaimed in the city thus, "Oh Citizens, Merchant Dhana is leaving for Vasantpura, so whoever intends to join him will be provided with all the food-provisions, utensils etc. and they also shall be well-guarded from thieves, robbers, all forest animals etc. by him in their journey."
Under this proclamation many citizens were ready to join the merchant. At this time a religious preacher possessed of forbearance, self-restraint and patience named Dharma Ghosha approached the merchant Dhana, who having got up from his seat respectfully asked his intention to arrive there. The preacher said,
