Way of Life Part 2

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

Page 49

DISCOURSE 27
some people have begun following such objectionable occupations. These people are Jains by birth not by action and character. They might have been born in this Aryadesha or noble land but they are not Aryas (noble people). They are human beings only in form not in nature. Can those people be human beings who aim at the mere acquisition of wealth? Animals are better than human beings who are devoid of humanity. On account of such "Jains", the grandeur of the Jain Dharma will be stained. The people whose only objective is to earn money become unkind and inhuman. Probably, compassion, kindness humanity are absent in those who carry on foul and objectionable occupations.
THE GHOST OF FEAR HAUNTS THIEVES
Stupid and ignorant people cannot gain anything from these words of exhortation. These words cannot appeal to the minds of those who are mad after money. They want to carry on any business that will bring them lots of money. These words of mine will not appeal to you, if you are living only for money.
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Become intelligent and thoughtful. You must possess a pure and incisive intellect. You must follow that kind of occupation which will not cause any loss to you either in this world or in the other world. Smuggling, stealing, and the other illegal and unlawful occupations are highly dangerous. These occupations endanger life. Moreover, these occupations are against the interests of one's nation and one's country. They cause constant tensions in the mind. The ghost of fear keeps dancing always around smugglers. You cannot see in their lives, wholesomeness, peace or security and safety. Even the members of their families have to live in constant worry and anxiety.
THOUGH A TRADITIONAL OCCUPATION, DO NOT PURSUE IT IF IT IS CENSURABLE
You should not follow such a censurable occupation, though it is traditional. Carrying on a defective tradition is improper. You must break off such traditions. You should not think thus: