Way of Life Part 3

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

Page 71

DISCOURSE 53
wealth : its value cannot be estimated and it is such an invaluable wealth if you realize this truth. You must make this strong determination : "I must become famous in the world as a noble man; as a man of virtues". Think of this great truth : "Better is the poor that walketh in his uprightness than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich". (Proverbs 6). But in case you become rich on account of the efficacy of your punya (merit) you need not worry. If a man is both affluent and noble the world bestows a special love upon him. The world loves him all the more. If a man is affluent but if at the same time, he is polite, benevolent and humble, he will certainly dwell in the hearts of all for ever. A man acquires the highest honour and status in the world, if he is wealthy and if at the same time he is a devotee of the Paramatma, a servant of noble spiritual heads, a friend of the destitute people and a prop fo. those that are in dire distress.
You will think of associating with men of noble virtues only when you make a sincere and heartfelt determination to become famous as a man of virtues in this world. Only then will you seek the company of noble people. Yes. You will fee! the necessity of the company of noble people; and of searching for them; and of testing people to see whether they are really noble.
THE QUALITIES OF NOBLE MEN: COURTESY; GRATITUDE AND RESPECTFULNESS
Question : How can we know whether a person is a man of virtues or not? What qualities distinguish a noble man ?
Answer: We may consider a man as noble if he has these three virtues namely, courtesy, gratitude and respectfulness. We may say that a man is noble if he is courteous, grateful and respectful. That is enough. We need not look for more. These qualities characterize a noble man. Of course, we must also think of this point. He must not have any bad habits. He must be free from all kinds of addictions. Such a man should be absolutely free from such ignoble and sinful qualities as meat-eating, wine-drinking, gambling, illicit intimacy with