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THE WAY OF LIFE
is offered only to the worthy. Those who possess virtues in abundance are worthy of worship. Parents are worthy of worship only if they possess great virtues. Aryarakshit's parents possessed great virtues; therefore, they were worthy of being worshipped by their children. The worshipper of the worthy himself becomes worthy of worship.
Four duties are to be carried out by sensible and dutiful children. The performance of these duties also is a part of their worship of their parents. If you merely touch the feet of your parents; and salute them but if you do not carry out your duties towards them, that is not true worship. So, understand the four main duties you have to carry out :
(1) When a son reaches the age at which he can manage the business of his father, he must tell his father politely: "Now, you may stop thinking of the family-affairs. I will manage the shop and the business. I will carry on the business properly. Now, you may carry out spiritual austerities with body, mind and word continuously without any impediment. You may carry out endeavours for your spiritual and other-worldly welfare. Until now, you have taken care of me; and I can never forget your benefaction. You have done a lot for me; now you endeavour to achieve spiritual elevation".
From the Audience: What should one do even after saying all this, if one's father does not give up his business?
Maharajashri : You need not say this to your father again and again. If you say this to him again and again, he may suspect your motives though you may say all that for his own good; and your parents may think: "Our son will acquire control over the shop and business; and our daughter-in-law will acquire control over the house; and they will turn us out"..
Such events also sometimes happen in Samsar; don't they? Therefore, only once or twice, you may suggest to them in a calm and tender manner that they may retire. If they have the desire of retiring and pursuing the path of spiritual elevation, they will accept your suggestion; and you would have done your duty. The children must conduct themselves towards their
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