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38
THE WAY OF LIFE
and the fruits of Dharma. The commentator has justified this practice of the author by means of his profoundly logical arguments and interpretations. He says, POTET: PITFIT: Afanai varra. He takes into consideration men of intelligence. He has discussed their mental attitudes. Intelligent people, before commencing any work, think thus: “What is the usefulness of this work ?" Intelligent people do not perform an action which is useless and meaningless. You are all intelligent people; aren't you? Whatever work you do, you think of its usefulness; and then you do it. You think of its result; don't you ?
A Listener: We do not have intelligence.
Maharajshri : Then, are you fools? Will you agree with him if anyone were to call you fools? Won't you be annoyed ? I know all of you. You agree that you are fools in my presence because you keep mum instead of answering. You want to commit sins but you do not think of the consequences of sins. Have you thought thus, "I am committing this sin. What fruit am I going to get from it ?"
A Listener from the audience : We think of the fruit of sin; but only the immediate fruit of it.
Maharajshri : Very good. Someone tells you: "Please eat these sweets; they are very tasty”. But they are poisoned. The effect of poison is not seen immediately. It is a slow poison. Would you eat those sweets? At the time of eating they taste very sweet. Why don't you eat them? You at once think of the effect of the poison in the long run. But you don't think of the final and long range results of your sins when you commit them. Intelligence you have; but you do not have a pure and clean intelligence. You have an impure and unclean intelligence. An intellect that is impure and unclean cannot think clearly of the nature and effects of sins and of Dharma. This kind of intellect entangles you in endless conflicts of pain and pleasure; of joys and sorrows.
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