Way of Life Part 1

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

Page 71

DISCOURSE 4
there in his heart ? When Naradji came back to that town with God's viman (supernatural airship); and when after leaving it on the ground, he went to the shop of Jivaraj Seth, the Seth cordially and respectfully welcomed him. Naradji said to the Seth, "Seth ! come with me to Vaikunta, I quarrelled with God; got a room in heaven reserved for you, and now I have come with God's viman to take you".
"Oh, divine sage! How benevolent you are! How much trouble you have taken to help an unfortunate wretch like me ! You are kind-hearted....you are always ready to help others. I will never forget your help". The Seth said this with a voice broken with emotion; and piously prostrated at the feet of Naradji.
Naradji said, "Jivaraj, you must set out at once. God is waiting for you”.
"Oh Lord, I have the fullest desire to go to Vaikunta. There is nothing serious in mortality. All is but toys. I am not at all interested in life. Life is full of sound and fury signifying nothing. Life has no attraction for me. Even now, I have begun dreaming of the blisses of heaven.”
"Jivaraj, you are a real devotee of God. That is why I have come to take you to heaven. Please come with me, now."
"Oh divine sage! When you came here first and told me that you would take me to Vaikunta, I felt extremely delighted. At once, I went home and told my wife and children, "I will not remain in this Samsar. I am going to Vaikunta. Naradji will come to take me there.” Hearing my words, my wife began to weep. She said, "If you want to go to Vaikunta, you may go but you go after performing the marriage of our son. You are now old. How can I prevent you, from going to Vaikunta ? The season of marriages has come. The month of Magha has some auspicious dates for marriages. After celebrating the marriage, you may go to Vaikunta.”
“What did you say?” Naradji asked.
I said, "If our son is to be married, you perform the marriage. I cannot remain in this material world, even for a