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a desired objective. Any spiritual activity brings the right fruit only when it is carried out strictly in conformity with the prescribed principles, that is, in the manner in which it has to be performed. If we do not know the method of performing the activities, we should approach those who have a thorough knowledge of those principles and learn them from them. When spiritual activities are performed according to that knowledge you will get the desired fruit.
WHEN YOU RESPECT THE WORDS OF YOUR LAWYER, WHY SHOULD YOU NOT RESPECT THE WORDS OF THE ENLIGHTENED ?
Suppose you are entangled in a case, you will have to go to the Court. You do not know how to speak and answer questions. You wish to prove that you are innocent; and to free yourself from the entanglement. In such a situation, whose help would you seek?
From the Audience.: We would go to a lawyer.
Maharajashri : You go to a lawyer because you believe that a lawyer is reliable in legal matters. The lawyer accepts your brief; understands it; and then advises you regarding the way to establish your innocence. You speak in the court as advised by your lawyer; will you not?
From the Audience : Yes. We have to speak as advised by the lawyer; otherwise, we may not be able to prove our innocence.
Maharajashri : Your aim is to attain your objective. You believe that in order to win a case, you should speak and act as you are advised by your lawyer. If you have this kind of attitude even in the matter of your spiritual austerities you will achieve your objective surely. The boat will easily reach the other bank. The spiritual austerities that are performed according to prescriptions constitute Dharma. "Yathoditham anushthanam". The austerities that are performed according to the prescriptions in Shastras are called Dharma. In the Dharmagranthas all kinds of austerities have been described.
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