Way of Life Part 2

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

Page 62

THE WAY OF LIFE
DO YOU LIKE THE ADVICE GIVEN BY YOUR CHILDREN ?
Probably, such a thing does not happen in your life. Imagine that you are carrying on an objectionable kind of occupation. You advise your son also to carry on the same business. But he refuses to carry on that business. Besides refusing, he also tells you, “Dear father, do not carry on this occupation. You visit the temple of the Paramatma. You go to the noble Gurudevs and sit at their feet. You perform spiritual activities. You please give up this ignoble business". Would you not become displeased on hearing such words from your son ?
From the Audience : We would become not only displeased but also furious.
Maharajashri : So, do not you like even the sensible words of your son ? You do not like such sensible words because he tries to prevent you from amassing wealth by ignoble means. You feel that he is interfering with your business. You would be angry with me also; if I were to advise you and insist upon your giving up your ignoble business; would you not ?
From the Audience : Though you have been criticising us severely, we are not angry with you.
Maharajashri : That is so because, I am not referring to any individual in my insistence. If I were to refer to you indi. vidually and say, "Carrying on such an ignoble business will not bring any glory to a devotee like you. You are committing a serious sin by carrying on this business. Your soul will be ruined". If I were to say that to you individually, to-morrow, you may not even come to the Upashraya to listen to my discourse. Even a well-meant exhortation will not appeal to you, if it goes against your selfishness. Of course, Lakshmidas' son did not suggest to him not to carry on a dishonest business. But he was not clever enough to carry on a dishonest business. Cleverness is necessary to carry on dishonest business; is it not?. Generally, only clever people carry on a dishonest business.
FEAR CAUSES AGITATION AND SORROW
Lakshmidas earned two lakh rupees by carrying on an illegal, immoral and dishonest kind of business but he used to