________________
DISCOURSE 2
"Dharma gives wealth”. We can read the story of the poorvajanma (previous life) of Kumarpal, the Gurjara King (Gujarat). He was a servant in his previous life. He was working as a servant, in the house of an affluent business-man who was also a great devotee of the Paramatma. The sait used to worship the Paramatma every day. One day, even that servant desired to worship the Paramatma. He bought some fiowers with his own money and worshipped the Paramatma with devotion. As a fruit of that worship he became the King of Gujarat. If wealth cannot be obtained from Dharma what else did he get? Wealth was obtained; wasn't it? But you must remember one vital point. That servant performed the worship without any ulterior motive. He did it without thinking of the fruit of his action. He did not perform the worship with the desire of attaining wealth. This is the secret of Dharmatatvas (religious doctrines). I think that if he had performed the worship with the ulterior motive of seeking wealth, he would not have got the kingdom of Gujarat; but he might have got some wealth — some money or land.
The Capacity of Dharma
What is the strength of Dharma ? How much capacity does it possess ? These points have been mentioned. You must concentrate your minds on this point. Now, you should not get entangled in other thoughts. Just as Dharma can give wealth; it can also give mundane and sensual pleasures. Acquiring money is one thing; but attaining worldly pleasures is another matter. There is no rule that a man who gets wealth should also get worldly pleasures. He may be wealthy but he may be always ill. How can he enjoy the pleasures of the five senses in such a case ?
Have you not seen wealthy people who are blind; who are suffering from paralysis and cannot move about or hear; and who are suffering from cancer ? Such wealthy men cannot enjoy their dear delights. Only Dharma can give you the boon of physical health; and only Dharma can keep your five senses strong and active. Do you realize this vital truth?
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
