Way of Life Part 2

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

Page 14

THE WAY OF LIFE
DHARMA BEGINS WITH LOVE FOR IT
"Pleasures are to be attained but not by proceeding on the primrose path of dalliance that leads to everlasting spiritual ruin. Pleasures cannot be attained by the pursuit of the path of sin. Pleasures and happiness can be attained only by the pursuit of the path of Dharma". Only after this idea becomes deep-rooted in a man's mind can his outlook on life change. It is possible that he may think that he cannot discard all his sins at once; but he must realize that sins are to be discarded. He will realize that only Dharma is acceptable and beneficial. Love will appear in his heart for Dharma. Dharma commences only with love for Dharma. I hope you understand this.
The author of Dharmabindu places two forms of Dharma before the lovers of Dharma. Choose whichever you like of these two. You have to make this choice in accordance with your capacity.
THE GRIHASTADHARMA (THE DHARMA FOR THE HOUSEHOLDERS); AND THE SADHUDHARMA (THE DHARMA FOR MENDICANTS)
Of these two, one is the Grihastadharma and the other is the Sadhudharma or Yatidharma. In the world, people can lead their lives in one of these two ways. Grihastadharma means remaining a householder or living with the members of one's family such as wife, children and others; pursuing some occupation, profession or business throughout one's life. The two ways are
(1) Remaining a householder. (2) Becoming a Sadhu.
Remaining a householder means living with the members of one's family such as wife and children. The second way is to become a Sadhu after renouncing family and worldly life; living on Biksha (alms) and carrying on the austerities relating to the life of a Sadhu; and living according to the prescribed rules and codes of conduct. In order to lead the life of a Sadhu, one requires a greater capacity than is necessary to carry out the spiritual austerities of a householder. The Sadhudharma is