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DISCOURSE 58
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place were contrary to Dharma, then the people of the area went away to some other area or Kingdom.
But wherever they went, they had to live according to the traditions of that area. This is an ordinary principle of the grihasthadharma.
THE CONSEQUENCE OF THE UPSURGE OF MATERIALISTIC VALUES
But the conditions have changed at present. At present, in our country and in most countries of the world, Kingship is not existent; and Kings are not the rulers. We do not have kingdoms ruled by Kings. India has become a sovereign republic. It has become politically united. Democracy has appeared in India.
Our country's culture which is spiritualistic has been affected by Western materialistic ideas. Dress and decorations have changed. Materialistic ideas have been affecting our culture.
Those spiritual values that remained have been declining in recent times. Now, ignoble traditions are being established and ignoble practices are in vogue. No great ideals or traditions are there which can inspire all the people of the country. Moral values have completely declined. At present, in our country corruption and immoral and ignoble ways are in vogue. When there are no noble values, the question of living according to them does not arise. At present, we have to exhort people not to be influenced by the corruption and ignoble values that prevail in our country.
THE TRIPOD OF NOBLE CONDUCT
There are three principles that constitute the essence of noble conduct.
(1) Purity in eating and drinking; (2) Decency in dress and decorations; and (3) Cordiality and sanctity in human relations.
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