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314
THE WAY OF LIFE
came out of his room. He saw the predicament of the thieves. The thieves were greatly frightened. He asked them, "Why are you standing here? Why have you not gone away from here? If the guard comes here, he will arrest you. Please get away soon".
The thieves said, “Dear sir, how can we go away from here? Our feet are stuck to the ground. You have cast some magical spell upon us. Be gracious to us and release us. We will leave all your property here and go away. We will never commit a theft again. Kindly enable us to get way". Suvrat touched the thieves with his hand. At once, their feet were free and they ran out. But how could they run away? The guard was ready outside. He caught the four thieves and took them to the king's court.
All the wealth of Suyrat was saved; was not it? When the property has been recovered, should he feel happy or should he become angry? He was not happy that his wealth had been saved. He was unhappy because the thieves had been caught and would be punished severely, “The king will impale these four thieves. On account of my wealth, those poor fellows have to die". Suvrat thought thus.
WHAT WOULD YOU THINK AT SUCH A TIME ?
If such an incident happens in your house what would you do ? Please think a little and compare your attitude with that of Suvrat. What would your cupidity have impelled you to do ? When the thieves were caught, would you feel happy or angry. Yes. If the thieves are not caught, you would move earth and heaven to get them arrested. Is it not true ?
From the Audience : Thieves have to be punished; is that not so ?
Maharajashri : Before you think of that please try to realise what circumstances compel a man to become a thief, Should a man be saved from the sin of stealing or not? If that man's sin can be removed by punishing him or by hanging him, you do so by all means. Those who commit the sin of stealing first deserve compassion and then punishment may be given.
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