Way of Life Part 1

Author(s): Bhadraguptasuri
Publisher: Vishvakalyan Prakashan Trust Mehsana

Page 35

DISCOURSE 2
25
Do not ask for delights
The fruit of Dharma is delight; happiness. You believe this; don't you ? Happiness can be attained only from Dharma. Has this idea appealed to your heart? Haec Only happiness results from Dharma. You have realized the truth of this idea. Then, I will tell you what kind of happiness should be attained from Dharma and how it should be attained. If you accept my opinion you will attain happiness; if not then what is your wish? The other idea is that there is no need at all to ask for delights. Where is the need for seeking a thing which comes to you unsought. You keep living according to Dharma, and happiness automatically comes to you !
The man in whose mind there is a strong desire for money may expertence the want of money in his life; and if such a man were to practise Dharma, even from it, his desire for money may be fulfilled because "the activities of mundane life cannot go on without money". This is his idea. He does not have a knowledge of the philosophy of Karma; and he cannot remain inactive since his heart is set on money. Some years ago, I read about an incident:
“When you get some profit, you must spend a part of it for doing some noble deeds". A magnificent suggestion !
William Colgate was an American. He was poor. His parents made soap and sold it in the lanes of the city. Poor people bought soap from them because they got it cheap. One day, in a mood of despair, his father said to him, "Son, go to New York and try your fortune there". William, accordingly left his house. On his way, when he was proceeding in the country side, he happened to meet an old man. He asked William, "Boy, where are you going to?” William replied, "I am going to New York”.
“Why?” "To try my fortune there".
-“Very good, son. Go on, I too will come with you. I have to go to New York”. The old man and William set off on their