Way of Life Part 2

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

Page 16

THE WAY OF LIFE
alert and aware, even as a grihasta, he can perform very great spiritual austerities. If you do not have the mental strength to renounce worldly life; if you cannot renounce the pleasures of worldly life, you can live the life of a householder; and even in that state, you can adore and practise Dharma. Think of your abilities; estimate the extent of your mental potentialities.
From the Audience: Of course, for a moment or two, we feel enthusiastic about accepting the Sadhudharma; but as soon as we go home, that enthusiasm ebbs out.
Maharajashri : If such momentary enthusiasm appears again and again, some day an enduring enthusiasm will appear. Enthusiasm arises when you admire the Sadhudharma. Enthusiasm is good even if it is momentary! If you admire a certain thing; and if you acquire the ability to attain it you will attain it. If you like the life of a Sadhu, you will become one when you acquire the necessary mental strength; when your enthusiasm grows strong and when your spiritual vitality grows exultant. If you want to become a Sadhu, you have to renounce Samsar. You must renounce the pleasures of life. Even that renunciation must be impelled by enlightenment. Renunciation is of three kinds
(1) Renunciation through sorrow; (2) Renunciation through fascination; (3) Renunciation through enlightenment.
There are many kinds of sorrows in the life of a Grihasta. For instance, one may not have a house to live in; one might not have got a beautiful and pleasing wife; even if one has a wife, she may be harsh. One may not have good children; one may be ill; one may not have money; and one may not have honour. If on account of those and other sorrows, you think of renouncing worldly life ; and of becoming a Sadhu, then it is renunciation through sorrows. This kind of renunciation is of no use. One should not become a Sadhu by renouncing life for this reason, because a man who becomes a Sadhu fearing the sorrows and agonies of life does not possess the mental strength necessary to lead the life of a Sadhu, and when he finds