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Shri Mahavir Jain Aradhana Kendra
www.kobatirth.org
Acharya Shri Kailassagarsuri Gyanmandir
102
question depends on the circumstances in which the question arises. Since circumstances differ the concept of duty also differs from one situation to another. For example, there is the rule
गन्तव्यम् राजपथे ।
Gantavya Rajapathe "Walk on the rajamārga or the public rcad.”
But, according to Sri Harsha, there is an exemption to this rule. He says,
घनाम्बुना राजपथे हि पिच्छले ।। क्वचिद्धरप्यपथेन गम्यते ॥
-Aqet aftan Ghanambhunā Rajapathe hi pichchile
Kvachidbudhairapyapathena gamyate.) “If the public road has become slimy and slippery on account of rain, even scholars sometimes leave the public roads or the highways and walk on by-ways."
Giving up something is also a duty. But what should be given up? Why should it be given up? These are the crucial questions. An answer to these questions is found in the Chanakya Niti, “Give up or discard charity (dharma) which is not prompted by kindness. Discard your teacher who is not enlightened. Disacrd your wife who always frowns with anger and discard your relatives who do not love you."
It is our duty to act according to dharma or the principles of religion but we should do away with the religion that encourages cruelty as exemplified by such things as sacrificing animals at a yajna; or killing sheep or goats to appease some goddess or killing buffaloes etc.
Serving your preceptor is a duty. But, if a preceptor is not a scholar; if he cannot answer your questions; if he is always unable to answer the questions of those wh thirst for knowledge, it is your duty to discard such a preceptor.
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