Way of Life Part 3

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

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THE WAY OF LIFE
ordinary principles of the Grihastadharma are absolutely essential for Sadhus in respect of their Visheshdharma or the extraordinary principles of their life. This is but natural.
THE ORDINARY DHARMA IS THE FOUNDATION FOR SAMYAGDARSHAN OR THE RIGHT VISION
Question : Man should be fearless; should he not be ? When that is so, is it not cowardice to run away from a disturbed place?
Answer : It is absolutely right that man should be fearless; but this principle relates specially to the individual not to a group. When it is a question of the involvement of many people, priority should be given to the question of their safety and welfare. Yes, if suddenly, calamities arise, people should not be terror-stricken; but they should face them with calmness and courage. Even if there arises the danger of death, people should not lose their mental peace and equanimity. They should retain their equanimity and mental poise. But do all the members of your family possess this kind of mental strength ? Are all fearless thus? You may be fearless; but your children may not be fearless; and the women may not be fearless. Hence, you have to think of their safety. This cannot be called cowardice but it is called timely cautiousness. This kind of timely cautiousness is an ordinary principle of the Grihastadharma. Dharma here means duty, Dharma here means the principle that enables you to adore and practise the extraordinary Dharma.
Here is another point. These ordinary principles that are described here are intended immediately for the householders who are in the first stage of development. These ordinary principles are intended for those who are still in the first stage of development; and who have not attained either Deshvirati (a partial renunciation) or Samyagdarshan (the right vision). Wakefulness regarding one's life; a sense of duty towards one's family; the thought of securing safety for all these are special human virtues. These virtues are essential in all the stages of development. They are absolutely essential even in the life of a Sadhu. The seeds of these virtues must be present even in the