________________
DISCOURSE 58
135
carried out by people. In free India we have so many slaughterhouses that they out-number the slaughter-houses that existed in the time of the British rule. Why is it so ? The English rulers had a little fear regarding the Indians whose philosophy of nonviolence was opposed to such killing of animals. The rulers of free India do not hesitate to break the hearts of the people who love non-violence. They are cruelly crushing the hearts of people who love non-violence.
You must be very careful. You should not touch alcoholic drinks for any reason. You should never associate with drinkers. You should never befriend such people.
GREED FOR MONEY IS DANGEROUS
From the Audience : We have to drink in the company of ministers or directors of companies or officials when we meet them in connection with our business.
Maharajashri : What kind of business compels you to drink with them? Discard such business. Greed for wealth is a great evil. You have to commit such sins only when you desire to amass wealth. You cannot acquire wealth by committing sins. You can amass wealth only by the efficacy of your punya-karma (merit). It is not true to say that those who drink wine drink only in the company of ministers, officials etc. When they have the habit of drinking they drink in bars or at home. Drinking has become a widespread evil. You should save yourself from this evil.
From the Audience: Some medicines contain some proportion of alcohol.
Maharajashri : You should not take such medicines. You must first find out from the doctor whether the medicine prescribed to you contains alcohol. Medicines which do not contain alcohol are available. If you have a strong desire to save yourself from the evil, you can do so.
The third sinful action is gambling. Now-a-days, people gamble without caring for any moral principles; and the habit
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
