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and butchers. We become merciless by frequenting such places. If we violate the orders of a ruler, a guild (Sangh) or a caste by visiting these immoral places, we are likely to be punished or looked down. We should refrain from going to forbidden places. A man becomes unfit and bad by staying near or by frequenting these places and our life passes in vian. We should not go to or stay in such places nor should we lose sight to the fact that right things has to be done at the right time.
(23) Act according to your capacity:
If we act according to our physical, mental, spiritual or financial capacities wisely within our means and as required by circumstances like Queen Mrugavti did, we shall not repent. The week should face the strong with prudence to become sucessful. If a task is undertaken without proper planning and is beyond our strengt and ability to perform naturally, we do not get the fruit. With the waning of strength we lose enthusiasm; so make a begining after thinking and weighing all pros and cons of the action proposed to be taken.
(24) To serve the Vrat-holders and the learned :
Whether aged or yound; but the learned and the self-sacrificing the self-scrifi saints sadhus practise penance and control their minds and senses. We should render service to them according to our means and eulogise and greet them with kind words. Shri Haribhadrasuriswarji says Always serve the sadhus with devotion" ( साघुसेवा सदा भक्तया ) The company of sadhus results in the destruction of our karmas, which ultimately leads us to liberation. Indeed politeness is the beinning of religion ( विनयमूलो धम्मो ) ).
गंगा पापं, शशी तापं, दैन्यं च कल्पतरुस्तथा । पापं, तापं च दैन्यं च हरेत् साधुसमागमः ॥
The Ganga washes off sins, the Moon destroys heat, a desireyielding tree (Kalptaru) destroys poverty, but association with a holy monk removes all the three-sins, heat and poverty simultaneously.
(25) To look after the dependents and deserving ones :
Parents, childred, a wife, a widow sister, younger brothers, nephews etc., must be looked after well. Besides, servants, birds
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