________________
112
THE WAY OF LIFE
heaven and earth. You cannot acquire wealth even by unethical
means.
THREE TYPES OF THOSE WHO DO NOT COMMIT SINS
Please listen to this very important point. The path of immortality and unlawfulness is not free from dangers. It is to be prohibited and discarded even in the administrative sphere. Those who adopt illegal and immoral methods are considered as offenders; and if they are caught, they will be punished and they will have to go to jail. They will have to face defamation and disgrace. Their families will have to endure countless agonies. The path of immorality and unlawfulness must be given up even on account of the fear of punishment. Of course, noble people do not commit such sins. It is the nature of such people not to commit offences. Three kinds of people who do not commit sins are described :1. Those who do not commit sins on account of the fear of
punishment. 2. Those who do not commit sins on account of the fear
of punishment in the other world. 3. Those whose nature is such that they do not commit
sins at all.
Those who do not commit sins on account of the fear of punishment belong to a lower level. Those who do not commit sins on account of the fear of punishment in the other world belong to the middle level and those whose nature is such that they do not commit sins at all belong to the highest level. There are some people who do not fear punishment and who commit sins. To which class do they belong ?
From the Audience : They belong to the lowest level.
Maharajashri : Try to seek a better level, I hope those who are Jains cannot belong to that level. You are all Jains; are you not? Are you not followers of the Jineshwar ? The Jineshwar achieved victory over attachments and hatred and those who are endeavouring to achieve such a victory over the
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org