Way of Life Part 2

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

Page 30

THE WAY OF LIFE
BECOME A NOBLE HOUSEHOLDER
To-day, we shall consider the first step of the ordinary grihastadharma. You must remember one essential point. The discourse that is being delivered now is not meant only for Jains or only for Shravaks and Shravikas but we shall mention certain things which will be useful to all householders. The ideas that we are going to mention in this discourse will be useful even to those householders who are not Jains or Shravaks and Shravikas. The ordinary grihasthadharma which aims at transforming an ordinary householder into a noble householder will be very useful to all householders to become noble householders. All of you live in your houses. So you are householders. But it is not enough if one is a mere grihastha; one must become a noble householder in order to make one's life happy and delightful. This is essential. In fact, only a noble householder can be a real Jain and only a Jain can become a Shravak. Have you understood the meaning of my words? You are householders but you become noble householders; after becoming noble householders, you become Jains; after becoming Jains, you become Shravaks and after that you must become Sadhus.
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WITHOUT AN ASPIRATION FOR IT ONE CANNOT BECOME A MAN OF VIRTUES
When Sath or nobility permeates your life, you will become a noble householder. Do you know what Sath is? Without knowing what Sath is, how can you make attempts to attain it? Sath means nobility or virtue. In order to become a virtuous grihasta one must acquire thirty five virtues. You must become noble or virtuous. You can become virtuous only if you aspire for it. Without an aspiration, you may become a wealthy man on account of good fortune and by good fortune, you may become a strong man. But without aspiring for it, you cannot become a virtuous man. Do you aspire to become a virtuous
man?
From the Audience: We aspire to attain affluence. We pine for it, day and night and struggle for it.