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132
JAINA STORIES
Her standard of living appeared to be majestic. Bhadra felt tempted. Then Laksmi started giving an account of her sealth She said,
"Dear Bhadra ! Just see how our business is progressing. Every year, millions are showered in our shop Even most learned people are after us for a job. My husband is the most respected person everywhere All this is the marvel of wealth Your busband does not do business He always remains at home So nobody knows him or cares for him. Nor can be increase bis wealth in this way If he startssome business, you will see, both wealth and fame will run after him"
These words of Laksmi pierced Bhadra's heart She returned home and tried to persuade her husband to engage in some business.
She said,
"Only the good-for-nothing people sit idle at home. Please do start some business like Huachand We shall also have enormous wealth. If you don't listen to me, I shall some day leave this home"
Akalasa rcplied,
"My dear! You are too simple. But is it wise for one to burn his but at the sight of somebody else's palace ? Busincss is not possible without resort to falsehood, faithIcssocss, tricks and immorality We have enough to meet Oui Deeds We sbould not involve ourselves in this vicious job We may not have superfluous ucalth, but we are abourding in happioess, peacc and famc for honesty and integriti Peacefully se go to bed every night and we get up reacefully in the morning Why should we invite fresh trouble by indulging in business activities 7"
But Bhadon was not prepared to listen to this sober aduce of her husband. She went on rcitcrating her demands, rnd us hen she found that her husband would not change she broke down into tcars Alalasa was in a grcat dilemma, Although he did no: want to devate from the path of
