Way of Life Part 2

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

Page 72

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THE WAY OF LIFE
no other noble action in this world than conferring on others, peace, felicity and tranquillity.
"पर उपकार समो नहीं सुकृत, धर समता सुखकी,
पाप वली पर प्राणीपीडन, हर हिंसा दुःख की..." There can be no action nobler than benevolence or helping others; and there can be no action more sinful than tormenting others. Benevolence or helping others is the greatest pilgrimage. You can earn the wealth of merit or punya every day, in your own houses, if you carry on such noble activities as rendering service, help and devotion to sacred people, virtuous people, and to those who are men of self-discipline, renunciation and followers of the path of spiritual progress and elevation because such great men are "moving pilgrim-centres”.
THINK OF DOMESTIC NECESSITIES FIRST
But while carrying out this kind of pilgrimage you must bear in mind one vital point. You must not cause trouble or inconvenience to the members of your family and others who are dependants on you and whose welfare and progress are your prime concern and responsibility. Suppose you earn one thousand rupees a month. Let us say your monthly expenses come to eight hundred rupees and that you can save two hundred rupees per month. In such a case, you should not spend more than two hundred rupees to render help to the needy and the helpless and to render service and devotion to Sadhus. If you spend more money for these purposes, the members of your family will be put to difficulties and inconveniences. Anger and misunderstandings might arise because all people do not have the desire or willingness or forbearance to make some personal sacrifices to help others. You may have the willingness but your wife may not have the willingness to help others. Your wife may have the willingness to help others but your sons may not have the willingness or the forbearance necessary for such a thing. You have to think of the likes and dislikes of the members of your family. Otherwise, they will not allow you to live in peace. They will allow you to live in peace and felicity only if you provide them with comforts and amenities.