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Editorial
In this dangerous time of Kaliyug, it is very difficult to remain ethical and honest in matters of money. This is especially so regarding money that is acquired easily as opposed to money that is earned through ethical practices. The distinction between money earned honestly versus dishonestly is critical especially because it is not easily apparent to the owner. The consequences are as clear as the difference between heaven and hell on earth.
Gnani Purush Dadashri has unfolded the final secrets to liberation for the seeker. In worldly matters he has exposed and presented the final keys to ideal interactions in all matters and especially in matters of money. A balance of both spiritual and worldly interaction is the ideal and fastest way to liberation, like the two wings of the bird. The most critical of worldly interaction is that of money. If this is tainted or impure, no progress can be made spiritually. If this wing is defective then one cannot fly to spiritual heights. The most fortunate of spiritual seekers have been graced with observations of the practical living example of Dadashri's worldly interactions with money. These simple daily life examples and talks of the Gnani Purush are presented here.
By maintaining purity in religion, in business and in his home life, he has shown an extraordinary example of exemplary purity for the whole world. His eternal statement 'Religion must exist in business but business must never exist in religion', lays down the fundamental requirements of ideal business and spiritual practices.
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He has never accepted money from anyone in his life for even his most crucial expenses. For spiritual discourses, he traveled extensively from villages to towns to cities, regardless of train and airfares, with his own money. Many of his followers offered him thousands of rupees in cash and gold but he never accepted any of it. For those who had an earnest desire to give, he suggested they give for benefit of others, to the temples or the hungry. However, his suggestions only came after he was sure that the money was being offered willingly and within the means of the donor and with the consent of the entire family.
Never before has this world seen a man, in this era of the current time cycle, who had the most ideal worldly interactions and one who was completely free from any attachment. His speech, absolutely pure and free from any attachment flowed from him naturally and spontaneously. Money is a necessity for our livelihood, whether it comes in a form of wages, from one's business or any other means. Despite conducting business, Dadashri has shown us how to walk the path of the Vitarag - the Omniscient Lords, through the essence of his own conduct and experiences.
This world has not seen or heard an example of such an ideal business partner where Dadashri remained as an employee of his business till the end. Even the word 'ideal' does not do justice to this. This is because the concept of ideal has been arrived at based one's individual views and experiences. Dadashri was a wonder of an exceptional ideal presence in this world. This will become apparent as you read this small book.
He maintained an ideal relationship with his business partner, a venture that started when he was 22 years of age. He continued with the same business with his partner's children after the death of his partner, Kantibhai Patel. Although his business of construction was successful and profitable, he drew a salary of
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