Way of Life Part 3

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

Page 51

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DISCOURSE 51 IT IS VERY EASY TO PRACTISE THE PRINCIPLES OF "SAMYAM DHARMA" (THE WAY OF DISCIPLINE) IN A PLACE DEVOID OF DISTURBANCES
The exhortation given by the enlightened people that disturbed areas are not fit for stay or residence is applicable not only to householders like you but also to Sadhus like us. There is a command issued by the Jin that we should leave a certain place even during the Chaturinas in case, some extraordinary disturbances break out there. Under such circumstances we are permitted to change the place of our stay. This is so because Sadhus and Sadhvis have to practise the principles of self-discipline. We can practise properly the principles of self-discipline only in calm places which are devoid of disturbances. We should not even go to places where disturbances endanger discourses, self-discipline and even lives. We should not knowingly cause disturbances. If disturbance is caused by others we should leave the place, at once. Of course, Sadhus and Sadhyis do not fear any danger to Artha and Kama because they have renounced them; but they have to practise the principles of self-discipline. That too if the Sadhus and Sadhvis are in a large number, the matter should be considered seriously. We have to think of the peace and serenity of all. This responsibility lies on the shoulders of the far-sighted Acharya Shri. He takes the society of Sadhus and Sadhvis with him away from a disturbed place to a place which is free from disturbances... !!
The main aim of the Acharya Shri is to see that Sadhus and Sadhvis are not disturbed in their practice of Samyamdharma, or self-discipline. The Acharya Shri should see that Sadhus and Sadhvis..can carry on their spiritual austerities without any anxiety or worry; that no aberrations arise in their spiritual austerities; that their lives are not endangered and that the grandeur and dignity of the Jin Shasan are maintained. It is with this view that the Acharya Shri leads the society of Sadhus and Sadhvis or it is with this view that it is said in the Shastras that the Acharya Shri should be the leader of the society of mendicants.
The cautions given to the householders in respect of the