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DISCOURSE 7
attachments or hatred. When that is so, why should he utter lies ?
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One essential condition to be fulfilled in performing spiritual activities is that they should be carried out strictly in accordance with indisputable prescriptions. They must be authenticated by their conformity to indisputable Shastras. The activity that is carried out according to one's own ideas cannot be called Dharma. You must perform your spiritual activities of renunciation or acceptance strictly in accordance with the Shastras expounded by the Jin and with an absolute trust in their authenticity.
Jain Education International
YOU MUST ACQUIRE THE KNOWLEDGE OF DHARMA SHASTRAS
Why are you dumb-founded on hearing these things? You were moved by hearing about the efficacy of Dharma ! Were you not happy to have heard about the lofty fruits of Dharma ? Why have you become dispirited now? Would you think that the spiritual activities that you perform in a haphazard manner, as you like, constitute dharma? Do you hope that such activities would bring you the heavenly life or salvation? You cannot get those fruits by performing those spiritual activities that do not conform to Dharmashastras. You must perform your spiritual activities only according to the prescriptions in the Dharmashastras. For this reason, you must acquire the knowledge of the Dharmashastras. Not only this; you must also bear in mind the other truths that the acharya has expounded in his work. Listen to me calmly and attentively. We shall discuss those other truths; and we shall know the form of Dharma properly.
This is enough for to-day.
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