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168
THE WAY OF LIFE
WITH WHAT KIND OF PEOPLE SHOULD YOU NOT HAVE MATRIMONIAL ALLIANCE ?
Maharajashri : A person is said to be high-born or of noble birth if his ancestors were illustrious but that is not the real meaning of "high-birth" or noble birth. All those who are born in a noble and illustrious family or lineage may not be noble. Even ignoble people may be born in a noble family. Have you not seen children who bring disgrace to their illustrious ancestors ? On account of the benevolent activities of the ancestors and on account of their lofty sacrifices, the family would have become noble and illustrious but some ignorant, greedy or deceptive descendants of such families ignore the illustrious name of their family and act ignobly for the sake of money or beauty. In the same manner, a man of purity means one who does not eat meat or drink wine or does not eat food in the night. But that is not the only meaning of purity. Even those people who abstain from eating and drinking prohibited food and drinks may become blinded by greed and engage themselves in such wicked and criminal activities as tax-evasion, smuggling and illegal business. Therefore, the enlightened people say that though there may be parity in respect of lineage, family-traditions and purity etc. if the person concerned is engaged in questionable activities and if he does not enjoy prestige in the eyes of people you should not have matrimonial alliance with such a person. You must not have alliance with such persons if you want to maintain your glorious prestige.
FAMILIARITY WITH NOBLE SPIRITUAL HEADS SAVES YOU FROM SINS
From the Audience : Now-a-days, people are entangled in some major or minor offences. Fortunately, some have been saved ! Tax-evasion and smuggling are now-a-days widespread.
Maharajashri : If so, it does not concern you. It does not matter. Offenders will seek alliance with offenders. If society has become so deteriorated, how can there be any spiritual activities? When those who visit spiritual heads; and sit at their feet and listen to their discourses are in this deplorable
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