________________
DISCOURSE 26
23
DISCRETION; RESPECT FOR LIMITS AND A SENSE OF PROPRIETY CONSTITUTE DHARMA
In carrying out spiritual activities, there is the need for discretion, a sense of propriety and a regard for limits. What the great author has said in this connection is of the utmost importance. He has emphasized the importance of discretion; a sense of propriety and a regard for limits. A sense of discretion, a sense of propriety and a regard for ethical limits constitute Dharma. The monetary objective if it is devoid of discretion, propriety and a sense of ethical limits will not be Dharma.
First of all the author speaks of propriety in terms of the traditional occupation of the family. If your family has some noble traditional occupation, or business or profession, propriety lies in pursuing it. You must take up and carry on the traditional occupation of your family. Of course, that occupation should not be objectionable; and it should enjoy the sanction and commendation of decent and cultured people.
There was a system in olden days. People used to like and take up only the traditional occupation of their family. Even to-day, this respect for tradition can be seen in some cities. We can see a family having the same cloth-shop for a hundred years. Some occupation was begun by one's grand-father; one's father continued it; and one carries on the same occupation; and now one's son also is carrying on business in the same shop. Running a cloth-shop or carrying on cloth-business is not objectionable in any way. It is considered an honourable occupation by the society of cultured people. Carrying on business in gold and silver, in pearls and precious stones, in vessels etc. is considerd honourable by cultured people. In the same manner, some are traditionally ministers, mayors, priests and heads of cities. They should not give up those occupations by means of which they can render service to people. When in the past there were kingdoms, such traditional occupations existed. The position of a minister was hereditary. If a minister passed away, his son was given the position; and if he had no sons, someone else was chosen for the position. If he had a son, only he was made
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
