Way of Life Part 2

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

Page 43

DISCOURSE 26
given the Deeksha. Can a man who has been in the house of a prostitute for twelve years be worthy of being initiated into the Sadhudharma? Even after initiation, he may continue his immoral ways "You would have said so; how great you would
be!
THE ADVANTAGE OF PURSUING A TRADITIONAL
OCCUPATION
31
Sthulabhadraji chose the Sadhudharma. He gave the position of Chief Minister to his brother. Shriyak accepted the offer of the position of Chief Minister; and he began to carry out administrative work which was the traditional profession of his family. The great author while describing the first step of the ordinary grihasthadharma says that a man must pursue the traditional profession or occupation of his family. That must be his first choice; but that occupation must not be objectionable and must be honourable in the eyes of cultured people.
If one inherits a well-established business or shop, one will not have the difficulty of establishing a new business. This is an advantage. He can carry out his spiritual activities in a proper manner. Shriyak lived such a peaceful and wholesome life. He continued to render service to the kingdom of Magadha upto the time of his death. He made his father's name radiant and resplendent. The elder brother Sthulabhadraji became a sadhu. Along with him, his seven sisters also became sadhvis. It is natural that the faith in Dharma must be great in that family because so many of them received initiation into the Sadhudharma. (The elder brother Sthulabhadraji became a sadhu; along with him his seven sisters also became sadhvis.)
NEVER PURSUE OBJECTIONABLE OCCUPATIONS
The main activity in the life of a householder is to earn money. Therefore, the great acharya has given his guidance to his readers, in this matter. This guidance will prove very beneficial to you in the present-day situation. Now-a-days, some of the traditional occupations have been given up. The presentday governments have created difficulties in the way of those