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DISCOURSE 31
effects even in our lives, that is, the lives of Sadhus. The Sadhu, in whose life this Karma has emerged, will not get Bhiksha food, even if he goes from house to house. If the Sadhu has the knowledge of the philosophy, he will think that it is due to the effect of the Labhantaray Karma; and would not get angry with others. If he is ignorant, he would blame others; and would become overwhelmed with passions like anger; and would become impatient.
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From the Audience: The Sadhus and Sadhvis are enlightened people. How can they get angry with anyone?
Maharajashri : There is no rule that all Sadhus and Sadhvis should be enlightened. One does not become enlightened by merely reading books. In order to become enlightened, one must carry on a profound contemplation and assimilate what has been contemplated upon. The soul must become brightened by such contemplation and assimilation. One has to keep pacifying one's mind and retaining its tranquillity. When adverse circumstances arise, one must retain mental calmness, tranquillity and equanimity. This is not possible for ignorant people. If Sadhus and Sadhvis have attained that kind of knowledge by virtue of which they can regain and retain mental tranquillity by means of a philosophical attitude towards life then they are enlightened. They should be able to restrain evil contemplations. If they can do all this we can say that they are enlightened. It is a difficult task but it is an important one. If you learn to pacify your mind and regain and retain tranquillity by viewing everything philosophically, then you would have achieved a great thing in life.
WHY IS IT THAT EVEN BY ADOPTING ILLICIT AND IMMORAL METHODS ONE MAY NOT ACQUIRE WEALTH?
You must have a firm faith in this great truth. "The Labhantharaya Karma is destroyed by legal and moral uprightness." Will you develop faith in this truth? Whether you have faith in it or not, you may know it for certain that unless the Labhantharaya Karma undergoes Kshayopashama (Partial destruction and partial pacification), you cannot attain wealth and pleasures. If in this life, you are acquiring wealth inspite of
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