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DISCOURSE 68
275
I cannot do anything about it. Let them taste the bitter fruits of their evil karmas". Do not think in this manner.
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO WHEN IT IS A QUESTION OF PRESTIGE?
From the Audience: When evil karmas exceed limits, we may lose our prestige. We may incur a heavy loss.... those things cannot be tolerated.
Maharajashri : The author of the grantha gives guidance in regard to what you should do in such a difficult situation.
If your dependants happen to engage themselves in ignoble, actions or anti-social or unethical actions and if they begin to do evil and contemptible things, your duty is to take care of your prestige and honour. That means, the ignobility of your dependants should not cause so much agitation and grief to your mind, as might cripple your intelligence and smother your sense and knowledge. If you think deeply about them taxing your mind, your intelligence may be shaken and crippled.' If your dependants are not willing to pursue the path of righteousness, if they are not prepared to leave their ignoble ways and if you are likely to lose your honour and prestige on account of their ignobility and if you are likely to get a bad name, then you have to think of yourself. You should not lose your honour and prestige. In such a case, you must break off your relationships with your dependants. You must not have any kind of contact with them. You must not give them any regard or honour. Are you prepared for this? If your sons acquire wealth by carrying on some illegal business; if they begin drinking; if they eat eggs; and if they develop illicit intimacy with other women, what will you do?
HAVE COMPASSION IN YOUR HEART
From the Audience : Now-a-days, wealthy people need not fear disgrace. The world permits wealthy people to commit any sin.
Maharajashri : After your sons become wealthy, they will
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