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THE WAY OF LIFE THE EFFICACY OF PUNYAKARMA (MERIT)
Before he was born there, a great scholar who had mastered the Shastras relating to the Ashtang omens came to that King's court. He said to the King, “Your highness! There will be a famine in your country for twelve years”. The King began to procure and store food-grain etc. to keep his subjects free from agitation during the impending famine. It was in those days that the queen gave birth to a son. As soon as the child was born, there appeared vast clouds in the sky and there was a heavy down-pour of rain. That year there was a bumper-crop in the Kingdom. The King was greatly amazed.
The scholar who had mastered the Shastra of omens called Ashtanga used his knowledge of omens; and saw again and he too was greatly amazed and delighted.
The King asked the expert on omens: “Oh seer with a divine vision! Why did this happen ?"
The expert said, "The famine that was impending has been warded off by the birth of your son who possesses extraordinary punya (merit). He has attained extraordinary spiritual excellence. He is a Dharmatma".
If a man scrupulously observes these ordinary principles, his life in this world and in the other world will be felicitous. In fact, there can be no difficulty in observing these ordinary principles. What difficulty is there in knowing the nature of your constitution and in eating the food which agrees with your constitution ? Please tell me if there is any difficulty.
THE DELIGHT OF TASTE IS DANGEROUS
From the Audience : There is no other difficulty except that we have to give up our love of taste. It is difficult to control our sense of taste.
Maharajashri : Is not the food that is agreeable to your constitution, tasty ? Of course, you have to gain control over your sense of taste. How can you adore and pursue the path of moksha without conquering your sense of taste or at least with
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