________________
DISCOURSE 57
hilation of sinful Karmas, believe that they can increase their income by means of their endeavour or efforts. "We should carry out that endeavour by means of which we can increase our income". They have developed this principle; and act according to it because they do not believe in punya (merit) and Papa (sin). Every kind of business has appeared. Even slaughter-houses have appeared under the name of business. People have begun to take up contracts for exporting meat. Even the government does not seem to think that this kind of business is sinful. The government runs many industries. The government also adopts the principle of "Income according to expenditure". When the government does not get income to meet its expenditure, it takes loans from other countries. It takes loans from the world bank. The Indian government has incurred such heavy debts that it cannot repay them in the near future. The burden of taxation increases on the people. The poor are finding it hard even to carry on their existence.
What has happened to the nation will happen to the families that live according to the principle: "Income according to expenditure". "Keep spending as much as you like; and then try to increase your income in proportion to your expenditure". How ridiculous this principle is! Expenditure increases; and if your income is not adequate to meet your expenditure, you take loans. What else can you do? Loans go on increasing; and you cannot repay them. The time for repayment of the loan expires; and you do not have money to repay the loan; and in that case what can you do? Either you declare yourself an insolvent or you have to commit suicide. Is there any other way? Please tell me if there is any other way..
119
AND HE COMMITTED SUICIDE
There was a noble householder, in Bombay. I knew the family in my worldly life i.e. before I became a sadhu. On account of good fortune, he had earned about three lakh rupees. He was a generous man. He donated one lakh to religious institutions. He spent one lakh for building a house for himself and for organizing some great religious celebrations. His prestige
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
