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DISCOURSE 9
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arose a boundless affection for Bhim. But the Chief Minister did not accept the presentation sent by Bhim. He said to those two gentlemen, "I heartily welcome you; you have brought an excellent presentation from the noble man, Bhim. I will not accept it now, here. You kindly come to the Dharmashala (choultry) which is located outside the city. There I will receive the presentation in a proper manner after extending a worthy reception to it”.
The gentlemen were greatly amazed. "The Chief Minister is going to give a welcome to these clothes!" How could those poor messengers understand the lofty ideal of the Chief Minister? Everyone cannot understand the meaning of the suggestive words of great men. Have you understood the suggested significance of the Chief Minister's words ? Why did he not accept the presentation in his bungalow? The Chief Minister had heard from those two gentlemen all the details of the life of Bhim shravak. When he heard that inspiring story of Bhim, the Chief Minister felt impelled to discard all his attachments for sensual delights. Sublime thoughts arose in his mind. That presentation was the cause for the emergence of those lofty thoughts in his mind. He felt that he should honour that cause. Whether they are inert substances or living beings, if they inspire in man sublime thoughts and emotions they are worthy of being seen, worshipped and honoured. Here, in this matter, we cannot distinguish between living beings and lifeless substances.
EVEN A NOBLE CAUSE BECOMES BENEFICIAL
Some people argue thus, “The image of the Paramatma is inanimate. It is made of stone or a metal. What can we attain from it? A stone-cow does not give milk". How foolish is this argument ! If a sculptor can carve out a cow from a stone, and sell it, he will get thousands of rupees. Of course, the image of the Paramatma is inert. But it reduces or removes our evil propensities of attachments and hatred, and inspires in us the sublime feelings of devotion and the urge for renunciation. That means, it is the cause for the emergence of lofty emotions
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