________________
240
THE WAY OF LIFE
"Oh revered father ! In every janma, we get such relations as father, mother, brothers, sisters, daughters, sons etc. Even the jivas of the realm of animals and birds attain these relationships. Those who are scholarly and enlightened do not have attachment for these relations. No relationship is permanent. No relationship is imperishable. Fett: fattiat: 1 (Relationships will end in separation). Therefore, you should not be caught in your affection for your sons. You must think of the various janmas or lives to come. The mother dies and becomes a daughter; she may become one's sister, or one's wife. The son after his death may become one's father, brother or even enemy. Relationships are thus full of contrasts and conflicts. When that is so why should we have attachment for our relatives?
"Revered father ! We should not feel proud of our wealth also. How can one feel proud of the wealth one has attained by the King's grace and by serving him as his servant ? How can you have faith in such wealth? Wealth causes worry, agitation, disasters. Wealth can be the cause of countless calamities. Wealth is changeful and transitory. It is a game of Karmas. One who was penniless a moment ago becomes a King; and one who was a King a moment ago becomes a penniless destitute. Therefore, we should not set store by wealth; nor should we have any hopes on the basis of wealth. You are a great scholar; and a very sagacious brahmin. You know that this world is illusory and that the soul is the only reality. The whole world is unreal except the soul which is real.
SHALL WE SPEND OUR LIVES IN MERELY EARNING MONEY AND FULFILLING OUR EARTHLY DESIRES ?
"Oh great benefactor ! You know the value of this human life. Are we to spend all our human life, in acquiring wealth and in fulfilling our earthly desires? You have studied the shastras also in order to earn money; is it not so. We should acquire the knowledge of the shastras and endeavour to achieve spiritual progress which alone makes life meaningful and fruitful. After our death in this world, our souls must attain
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
