Way of Life Part 2

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

Page 46

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THE WAY OF LIFE
AGITATION AND BLAME RESULT FROM OBJECTIONABLE OCCUPATIONS
First of all, here, the right direction is described for the pursuit of the monetary objective, or the Arthpurushartha. The acharya emphasizes the importance of caution and carefulness even in respect of the pursuit of the monetary objective. The earning of money is essential in the life of a grihastha. If the objective of earning money, is in conformity with the family. tradition, if it is not objectionable morally or legally; if it is in accordance with your wealth; and if it is in tune with place and time it becomes a spiritual objective and it becomes grihastadharma. You must pursue the traditional occupation or profession of your family, if it is not objectionable in any sense. It is necessary that your occupation must not be objectionable, because when somebody blames a man, he becomes agitated. Your mind will be agitated if you are blamed and condemned by your friends and relatives in your city or society; if people condemn your business or occupation and if you come to know that people are criticizing and condemning you. Even the members of your family will not like it. On account of all this, you will not be able to concentrate on spiritual activities.
If someone is carrying on some objectionable business or occupation, would you blame him or not? If somebody in our society opens a liquor-shop, if somebody starts a factory to manufacture bone-powder, if somebody is a smuggler or follows some such illegal occupation, you would blame him and condemn him. Would not others blame you, if you pursue such illegal, immoral and objectionable kinds of business or occupations ?
WORRIES INCREASE IF YOUR AIM IS MERELY MONETARY
From the Audience : Now-a-days, people like to carry on that business or occupation which brings them money. They do not distinguish between fair or foul kinds of business or occupations.
Maharajashri : That is why the people pursuing such occupations are greatly unhappy and agitated in their lives.