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DISCOURSE 67
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that old woman ? There was no guarantee that the teacher would believe Angarshi's words.
THINK OF THIS MOMENTOUS MATTER
From the Audience : Did not the teacher know the character of Angarshi ? Why did not the teacher think thus, "Angarshi would never kill any jiva ?”
Maharajashri : Sometimes on account of the effect of a sinful karma, even a beloved disciple is treated thus by his teacher who forgets his pure and perfect character and rashly blames him. Such a thing does happen. Shri Ramachandraji committed a similar offence against Sitaji; did he not do so ? Did he not hear the divine voices proclaiming, “Sita is an absolutely sublime lady ?" Inspite of that, listening to the words of some people he abandoned Sita and sent her away to a forest.
What really matters in this context is not what Shri Rama did but what Sita did. Similarly, in this case, what really matters is not what the teacher did but what Angarshi did. Angarshi's reaction is of the utmost importance. When a man's sinful karma brings about its effect though he may be innocent, he will be accused of having committed some serious sin. Angarshi's sinful karma brought about its effect and his character was stained with the accusation of having killed an old woman. The teacher became angry with him and expelled him from his house.
Inspite of all that had happened Angarshi did not think ill of his teacher. He did not become angry with his teacher; nor did he feel humbled by the situation. These are matters of great importance. These ideas help us to live rightly : (1) You should not think ill even of those who do some
great injustice to you. (2) You should not get angry even with those who cause
"harm to you. (3) You should not give way to despair and depression
· when you are in sorrow.
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