Way of Life Part 3

Author(s): Bhadraguptasuri
Publisher: Vishvakalyan Prakashan Trust Mehsana

Page 31

DISCOURSE 50
when Shrenik became acquainted with Mahavir, the Omniscient Lord said to him : "Shrenik, you will be born in hell". Shrenik was terrified and he said to the Bhagwan : "I am a devotee of yours. Do I have to go to hell ?" The Bhagwan said, "Shrenik ! You committed the sin of hunting; and experienced delight. So, you bound yourself with the Ayushya (life-span) of being an inhabitant of hell. That Karma was Nikachit. Your soul has gathered the Aparavarthaniya Karma (a Karma which cannot be warded off)”.
Delight became an enemy thus; did it not? Be careful while committing a sin; otherwise, you will experience anguish. You should not experience delight before committing a sin; and while committing a sin and after committing a sin. Call it delight, or happiness or elation; they are one and the same. In a state of ignorance you may forget this. Therefore, beware it; and be aware of it. Acquire knowledge regarding the way in which your soul gathers Karma; how that Karma emerges and produces its effect and how its effect manifests itself.
You commit a theft in your business; don't you? You adulterate commodities; don't you? When you get a few more rupees on account of it, you experience delight; don't you? You experience a great emotional elation; don't you? Do you realize that by acting thus you bind your soul with the Nikachitkarma ? The wealth that you earn by means of theft, unjust methods and by immoral means will not remain with you; and a sinful Karma will surely cause anguish to you.
THE STORY OF RUPSEN
We come across the story of Rupasen in the Shastras. He was the son of a wealthy merchant. He possessed affluence and a handsome appearance. He used to go out to stroll about wearing beautiful dress. One day, he happened to be walking along a main road in the city; and he stood near the palace. At that time the princess happened to be standing in the parlour of the palace. Her name was Sunanda. She saw Rupsen; and he saw her. They fell in love with each other at the first sight. By means of signs they fixed the place and time where they should