Way of Life Part 3

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

Page 192

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THE WAY OF LIFE
Carrying cut one spiritual austerity is one thing; but effecting a transformation in one's life is another. Of course, you perform some minor and major spiritual austerities but have you transformed the way of your life? Have you given a place to these ordinary principles in your life and are you carrying on the activities of your life, in accordance with those principles? You have not given a place to them in your life; is that so ? If so, why ? That is so because you merely listen to discourses and exhortations; but you do not think of them deeply. Even if you think of them a little, you do not have the courage to live according to them and to transform your life. You see the ways of others; and live imitating them. Therefore peace, equanimity, felicity and sanctity do not appear in your lives.
“How do other people live ?” Instead of seeing that, think of this point. "How should I live ?” Shape the way of your life in accordance with the guidance given by the enlightened people. In shaping and determining the way of your life, give a place to these ordinary principles. Have the confidence that you will not experience any pain or sorrow by living according to those principles; and that your happiness will not be affected if you live in conformity with these principles. On the contrary, if you live according to these principles, your happiness will increase; your peace will increase and your felicity will increase. You can save yourselves from many defects, derogations and pollutions. Your spiritual life also will improve; and you will attain worthiness to carry out special spiritual austerities. Your latent virtues will bloom out; and your defects and derogations will be destroyed.
IF HUMAN LIFE IS GREAT. ARE NOT THE PARENTS WHO GIVE BIRTH TO HUMAN BEINGS GREAT ?
The sixteenth ordinary principle is this: “Adore your parents". You must adore and worship your father and mother. Father and mother are those that give birth to you. In this world, this relationship is considered to be very sacred. If the human life is great, are not the parents who give birth to a human being great ? But children can see and realize this greatness of their parents only if the parents take care of them;