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108
THE WAY OF LIFE
This is a highly technical point in the Karma philosophy, and it is to be understood thoroughly. I will explain to you another equally important truth. Those who employ questionable methods to acquire wealth will be born as animals and birds. Is this not an important point? This is a "red signal” to those who are engaged in illicit and immoral occupations. Shri Vimalacharyaji says this in his work "Paumacharium".
मायाकुडिलसहीवो कुडतुलाकूडमाणवक्हारा। धम्मं असद्धहंत तिरिक्खजोणि उवणमन्ति ॥
Illicit and immoral occupations cannot be carried on without deception, dishonesty and hypocrisy. Deception and hypocrisy are dangerous. If deception and hypocrisy are present in your nature, they will certainly ruin you. Illicit and immoral methods are prompted by deception. Without deceiving others, without being hypocritical and without betraying trust you cannot employ illicit and immoral methods. If a merchant sells adulterated commodities, that means; if he mixes water with milk, fats with ghee, coloured grass with saffron, he is employing unethical methods, and this kind of business cannot be carried on without deception and hypocrisy. Is it not betraying trust? Is it not deception or hypocrisy to use false weights and measures ? Remember this very well. If you engage yourself in such activities, you will be bound by the Ayushya Karma of the animals and birds and after death, you will be born as an animal or a bird.
MAN HAS THE SPECIAL POWER OF CHOOSING HIS FUTURE
I hope you know that the Jiva or man will have to take birth in his next life, in accordance with the Ayushya Karma with which he binds himself in this life. Do you understand this point? The nature of your future janma is determined in your present life. Man binds himself with the Ayushya Karma that determines the kind of life that he will have to live in the next Janma.
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