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DISCOURSE 9
LOFTY THOUGHTS SHOULD BE EXPRESSED IN A LOFTY MANNER
Your son does not visit the temple of the Paramatma, but your desire is that he must visit the temple. Let us say that you have encouraged him sometimes to visit the temple; yet he does not go to the temple. In such a case, what would you do? You would think harshly of him; would you not? You would say to him, "You are a disbeliever! you are an egoist! you do not visit the temple! and you will surely go to Narak (hell)". You would say such things to him; would you not? Will your son begin visiting the temple if you speak thus to him? Will he pay heed to your words? On account of this kind of insistence, some youngsters have become rebellious. They have grown bitter towards the spiritual activities of their parents. Among you, there are many parents. They should have had such experiences. The improper behaviour of parents makes children averse to Dharma. Let us agree that parents have noble intentions. Knowing the principles and doctrines is different from practising them. There is no rule that all those who know the principles and doctrines would practise them in the right manner. "In our hearts, we have a desire for the prosperity of the members of our family. We say all this on account of that desire". You may argue thus, You have a noble desire; no doubt, but your expression of it is not pleasant and agreeable. The members of your family do not appreciate your noble intentions because the method of your expression of those intentions is not agreeable.
Jain Education International
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The Chief Minister Pethad Shah desired to undertake the vow of celibacy. If he wanted, he could have encouraged and pressed his wife or he would have persuaded her to agree with him and to join him; and he would soon undertake the vow with her. Undertaking a vow is not the end; one must have the ability to carry out the vow after having undertaken it. It is not easy to practise the vow of celibacy throughout one's life. Sexual passion is very strong in youth. It is not an ordinary matter to exercise control over this passion. The vow of celibacy can he practised only if man has a natural and spontaneous intention and if he has the necessary mental strength to
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