Way of Life Part 1

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

Page 80

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THE WAY OF LIFE
with Jamali Muni; and went away with him. But a certain enlightened Shravak (a pious Jain) by name Dunk Kumar by means of an experimental method, convinced Priyadarshana of the truth of the theory, that some action begun might be said to have been completed. She became convinced of it; and gave up her obstinacy, and she returned to the Paramatma and sought his refuge at his feet. Even after realizing the truth, if one does not give up his obstinacy in respect of a false idea, the consequences would be dreadful. Naradji was obstinate in his determination to take the Seth to Vaikunta. Let us see what the consequence was.
Who can say this? Who can explain the efficacy of Dharma? Please think of this. Discard the obstinacy of following the path of sins; proceed on the path of Dharma. Have a firm faith in Dharma. There is the Tirtankar Paramatma, the one that can take us across the ocean of Samsar; and he explained the Dharma to us. There is the Arihant Paramatma, the ocean of compassion who can explain to us the efficacy of Dharma. You should give up your obstinacy in respect of sins. You must insist upon attaining freedom from sins. "I must attain freedom from sins." You must make this determination Dharma frees living beings from sins. You have to seek the refuge of Dharma to attain freedom from sins. Say whether you should free yourself from sins; and whether you should attain salvation. You do not have the desire to free yourself from sins; you do not make any efforts to attain that end; and yet you desire to attain salvation in the state of Siddh Sila. How can you attain it ? :
THE SETH DIED AND BECAME A TOM --- CAT
Jivaraj wanted to escape from salvation. Therefore, he adopted many wily and feline tricks. One year later, when Naradji went to the shop of Jivaraj, the seat was empty. The Seth was not in his seat. The Seth's son who was in the shop saw Naradji. Naradji asked the boy, "Where is the Seth ?" The lad replied, "He passed away last year".
"I see ! Did the Seth pass away?" Naradji was plunged in worry. Do you know the reason why Naradji was so greatly