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Shri Mahavir Jain Aradhana Kendra
www.kobatirth.org
143
Acharya Shri Kailassagarsuri Gyanmandir
We should use discretion in giving charity. We do not get the fruit of charity by thoughtlessly extending help to all sorts of people.
A certain sadhu came to the house of a shravika for gochari (food). He was a man of great spiritual attainments. When the ascetic went out after obtaining bhiksha (food) from her, people began to praise her greatly.
There lived a prostitute in the neighbourhood. She too desired to be praised thus by people. She requested some sūdhus (ascetics) to come to her house for food but no one was willing to honour her invitation because they would not accept food from a prostitute. Finally, she brought a bhand (a beggar). He came in the guise of an ascetic. The prostitute gave him excellent food with respect and kindness. The beggar sat on the road and began eating the food. The people found out that he was an impersonator. Angered by his ascetic's disguise they began to pelt stones at him.
Imitating others in doing charity brings such difficulties. If after the discourse, I ask you, "How is life?" You will answer, "It is very bad. It is bitter." Then I will say, "If it is so, there is vihar tomorrow. Tomorrow, I am going on my spiritual wanderings. Come with me." Think how many would be ready to renounce life and to come with me.
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