Way of Life Part 2

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

Page 18

THE WAY OF LIFE
likeable. One has to like it until then. If one does not possess the mental strength essential for living according to the great vows and the other rules of conduct relating to the life of a Sadhu; if one does not possess the power of endurance to bear with severe physical discomforts; if one is incapable of keeping oneself free from mental tensions, then he has to live the life of a grihasta; and has to like it.
There is no such rule that a man can enter the Sadhudharma after having been a grihasta. The life of a Sadhu, can be taken up directly even without having been a grihasta. Some examples of that kind can be seen in shastras and in history. What is required is a through knowledge of the Sadhudharma and the ability and readiness to live according to all the rules and principles of the Sadhudharma. In the past, some dacoits also became Sadhus directly. The notorious dacoit, Dridaprahari who used to commit murders and robberies became a Sadhu. He had the mental strength to live according to the principles and codes of the Sadhudharma. He conformed to those principles with great austerity; and attained spiritual purification and elevation. Renunciation should appear in the heart through enlightenment.
THE RENUNCIATION BORN OUT OF MOHA OR INFATUATION
The second kind of renunciation is the one that is born out of Moha or fascination. By living the life of a Sadhu, man can attain the heavenly world; and can attain the delights of the heavenly world. He can attain such delights for thousands and lakhs of years. We can know this from the Shastras. Knowing this and hearing this from the Shastras, if one renounces the life of a grihasta, then it is renunciation born out of Moha or fascination (for heavenly delights). The delights of the heavenly world are vastly superior to those of human life. They are, "Superfine". They are ideal, and if a renunciation appears for the pleasures of human life on account of the fascination for the heavenly delights then it is renunciation born out of Moha (fascination). The fascination for physical and sensual delights is called Moha.