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Shri Mahavir Jain Aradhana Kendra
www.kobatirth.org
Acharya Shri Kailassagarsuri Gyanmandir
The people took out all that they could, from the burning house. They put all those things in a heap, outside. Then someone said, "But where is the owner of these things ?" Then they realised that the owner had been burnt; and had did. In their confusion, they had forgotten the owner of the house. They had carried the articles in the house to a place of safety. But they had neglected the owner. Our condition also is the same.
We safeguard our external possessions. We take care of our houses, property and wealth; but we neglect our souls.
We do not try to save our souls from ruin; but we take care of our worldly possessions. This is the state of ignorance in which we find ourselves.
That merchant of Bombay thought, "I must first take care of my body. If I am alive I can earn money by means of my intelligence."
Undoubtedly the body is more valuable than money. He decided to spend all his money to save his life. He went to England : and underwent an operation. The operation was successful. He returned to Bombay hale and hearty. Many years later, the last day of his life arrived.
THE SOUL IS PRECIOUS :
Now you agree that the body is more valuable than money. But if the soul leaves the body, nobody would touch the dead body. Nobody would remain by the side of the dead body. The members of your family would say: "Take it away and bury it (or burn it)". If there are any valuables on the body the members of your family would steal them.
Those for whose sake you sacrifice everything, desert
you.
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