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Rays of Dharma
wrong activity, because he had to remain in wholesome environment.
This was noticed in the life of Sulas. His father was a butcher. His relatives and friends therefore asked him to adopt that occupation. He had, however, learnt the importance of compassion in the company of Abhaykumär. As such, he declined to go in for butchery. Abhaykumär was known for extending fearlessness to all living beings. After staying in his company, how could Sulas think of slaughtering animals?
When Sulas refused to adopt the family occupation, his relatives tried to persuade him by saying that if butchery involved committing sin, they were willing to share it. Sulas, however, knew that no one can share the consequences of others' sins or merits. In order to bring it home to the relatives, he hit the axe on his foot. As blood began to flow and it started giving pain, he asked his relatives to share it. But they were unable to do it. They could dress up his wound, but could not take on his pain. He then pointed out that when they could not share his pain, how could they share the consequences of his sin?
Cultured family, wholesome environment and good company can thus save us from sinful activities. It is thus helpful to get born in a virtuous family. Thereby we inherit the sense of feeling ashamed of such activities. We feel ashamed if we get into addiction. We were born without any addiction. Getting addicted could be the result of ignorance and undesirable company. We might have started those habits with a view to gaining pleasure, but by getting addicted to them, we become their slaves.
A man once said that he was ready to observe three days' fast, but he could not stay without tea. Could he therefore be permitted to take a cup of tea devoid of sugar and milk? See his condition; he could stay without food, but not without tea! Isn't it identical to the popular tale in which the elephant could pass through a narrow space, but its tail did not? No wonder, that some people are seen passing on the snuff box to their friends even during the religious discourses!
Giving up of addiction should be a primary concern for everyone. 80
