Way of Life Part 2

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

Page 53

DISCOURSE 27
41
DISCIPLINE NECESSARY IN MONETARY AFFAIRS
The third point relates to the discipline or order with respect to your financial affairs. You must carry on a trade or an occupation which is within your means. In business, sometimes you may incur loss. If you borrow money from others on interest and if you do business, what will happen if you incur loss? You will be completely drowned in debts. How will you repay your loans ?
From the Audience : Now-a-days, people carry out business only with borrowed money, and if they incur heavy loss, they will declare themselves insolvent.
Maharajashri : Those who declare themselves insolvent are shameless people. What is the use of talking about such people? Now-a-days, it has become common for people to declare themselves insolvent. The honour and prestige of those who carry out business without thinking and planning, end thus. They are defamed in society and in the market. They will have to experience a terrible agitation. The members of their family have to face disgrace and defamation. Therefore, you must carry on your business bearing in mind, your financial resources.
Let alone the concern of the world. In this world, we come across all sorts of wicked people. You must think of your own affairs. If you come to the temple and the Upashraya and become insolvent, it will be a disgrace not only to you but also to your spiritual heads. People will censure and condemn you saying, "Do you know this great man ? He carried on business with the money of the people in the town. He has become insolvent. Even the money belonging to the helpless widows has gone. The actions of these hypocritical devotees are such ... What a shame !"
When you are carrying on your business, you must have this awareness : "What is the possible maximum loss I may incur in this business? Do I have enough money to contain that loss? The loss I incur should not cause any trouble to the members of my family. If such a trouble is not likely I will