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DISCOURSE 35
performed in accordance with the special principles without caring for the ordinary principles will appear ridiculous in the eyes of the people. If those people who earn money ignoring the principles of justice, morality and honesty go to the temple and perform such austerities as Samayik, Prathikraman, Upadhantap, Varsitap they cannot and will not attain glory. If you ask them, you will find that they cannot concentrate their minds upon spiritual austerities. Even though they perform spiritual activities they cannot experience spiritual felicity.
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THE NEED TO RESPECT SELF-DISCIPLINE EVEN AT THE TIME OF MARRIAGE
Thirty-five principles of the ordinary Grihastha Dharma have been described. Of them, the first one is that wealth and magnificence should be acquired by means of just and moral methods. The second principle is that there should be the parity of purity between the bride and the bride-groom. If you cannot practise total celibacy you have to marry. Marriage as such is not Dharma but it will be Dharma if in arranging and celebrating the marriage you conform to the principles of propriety and if you act in accordance with the guidance given by the enlightened people. Dharma lies in having a lofty spiritual objective. Even while marrying, your objective must be to adore and pursue the path of salvation. You may engage yourself in sexual activity but your aim must be to practise celibacy. "When can I exercise a complete control over my sensual desires and when can I practise total celibacy ?" You must keep thinking thus.
Jain Education International
When you marry, you must see whether there are those five parities between you and your partner. You must see whether between you and your partner, there exist the parities of lineage or family traditions, purity, financial status, dress and language. If there are disparities in respect of these five principles, your life will be full of conflicts and contradictions. You will become a victim to sorrow, worry and agitation.
THE PARITY IN RESPECT OF DRESS
Your dress and decorations must be in tune with the place where you have to live and the society in which you have to live.
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