Way of Life Part 2

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

Page 52

THE WAY OF LIFE
brings about its effect, I will have to experience terrible anguish. Should I experience that anguish alone ? I am carrying on the occupation of slaughtering animals for your sake. Will you not share my anguish? Will you not take a part of my sorrow ?"
THE SINNER HAS TO EXPERIENCE THE FRUITS OF HIS SINS
The mother said to him, "My son, he who commits a sin has to experience its fruits”. Even his wife gave the same reply. Sulas realised the truth of Abhay Kumar's words; and he discarded the occupation of slaying animals. Abhay Kumar opened the mental eyes of Sulas. If your traditional profession or occupation is censurable, sinful and unrighteous, you must give it up immediately. If it is not sinful or censurable, you can continue it.
From the Audience : What shall we do if we do not find such a sinless or unobjectionable occupation as your describe?
Maharajashri : It cannot be so. You will be able to find some unobjectionable occupation. You must have a little patience. You must restrain your thirst for money a little. You have to exercise a little control over your desires.
Actually, now-a-days, people do not like hard work and assiduity. The youngsters of today like only such a business or such an occupation as involves little hard work. They like only white-collar jobs. They do not mind getting a low salary. They can get a lot of "income" in the form of bribes. All of you know very well how widespread corruption is among government officials. Those who get large salaries of one or two thousand take bribes and even peons and servants take bribes. Giving or accepting a bribe is a great sin but you do not seem to fear sins. You do not feel any unhappiness or agitation. If you can get enough money by sinful means, you do not hesitate to commit sins. Is it not true ? But you do not remember that ill-gotten money does not remain with you for long. The sins you commit will follow you to the other world. When those sins bring about their effect, you will have to experience terrible anguish. Think of that. Ponder over it deeply.