Way of Life Part 3

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

Page 15

DISCOURSE 49
affairs. You should not have excessive avarice in respect of three things, namely, status, money and prestige. You should be careful regarding these three things.
THE HIGH WALLS OF THE AVARICE FOR POWER * In olden days, the greed for status or power existed only in the members of Royal families. The craving for rank and status was noticeable in Royal courts. But in the modern times, the craving for status and position has entered every town, village and home. You know very well, indeed, the craving for position, status and rank in some, in the political sphere. The craving for status appears first in the form of a desire for a position in the village panchayat, under the pretext of rendering social service. The craving for position and status appears in the form of a desire for a place in the municipal council or in the corporation council, in cities. If one gets a place in these councils next one desires for a place in the legislative assemblies. After getting into the legislative assembly one desires to become a minister. After becoming a minister, one desires to become the Chief Minister of the State. If one gets into Parliament, one desires to enter the cabinet of ministers at the centre; and then one desires to become the President. Service to society and service to the nation remain merely mechanically uttered slogans. Actually, many politicians render service only to their families ! They amass according to their capacity, wealth; and when their sins come to light, they fall into the pit of total ruin; and perish miserably. Do not you know how many murders take place for the sake of power and position ? 'Do not you know how many evils arise and spread on account of that craving ?
ELECTION VERSUS PLUNDERING
... Once when we happened to enter a town, we found that it was desolate. Stillness and silence prevailed everywhere. I asked. a gentleman whom I met by chance; "Why is it that the town is silent ?! He replied, "Tomorrow, there is an election here. - Polling will take place. Therefore, to-day there is no propaganda carried on by the various groups; and progaganda through mikes has ceased”. I said, “But even people are not to..