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DISCOURSE 65
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time Shalibhadra's mother sent for the merchant and bought the sixteen woollen blankets that he had with him; cut each into two pieces and gave the thirty two pieces, one each to her thirty-two daughters-in-law. Did she not do so ? She did not keep a single piece for herself. This was Bhadramatha's magnanimity.
In the same manner, when children grow up and when their parents become old and retire from active life, if the children get any excellent article, they should first give it to their parents.
COUNTLESS SORROWS END IF YOU DO YOUR DUTIES PROPERLY
THE FOURTH MAIN DUTY
The parents must enjoy all material possessions first and then others may enjoy them. In case, the parents have undertaken a vow and if they are therefore unable to enjoy those things, the other members of the family may enjoy them first. If this principle is acted upon, the mother and father would be happy and pleased. The supreme duty of children is to keep their parents happy and pleased. But today youngsters have forgotten this duty. Whoever can be happy if he forgets his duties towards those who are worthy of worship? Who can attain peace by acting thus? If people in this world keep doing their respective duties properly, sorrows will automatically disappear. Distress, anguish and quarrels automatically disappear.
The enlightened people have shown us a way of life which is beautiful and which is absolutely free from all kinds of calamities. What loss do you suffer if you follow this way of life in your family? If you want felicity, serenity and satisfaction in your life you must accept this way of life and live according to it. Service, sacrifice, patience, dedication and other such virtues can bloom only in this way of life.
From the Audience : We can have the feeling of regard for our parents upto sometime only.
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