Way of Life Part 3

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

Page 85

DISCOURSE 54
73
basis for the performance of all spiritual austerities. The author has given such an excellent guidance regarding all the activities of human life that if people live in accordance with that guidance, countless defects and derogations can be removed from family life, from social life and from our national life. The lives of people will be free from all adversities; and a welfare-state will be established.
BUILD YOUR HOUSE IN A PLACE WHERE YOU CAN LIVE FEARLESSLY
A householder must build a house for his residence in a proper and auspicious place. This is the ninth ordinary principle of the grihastadharma 7 FUT 17TTH. Where should one live? In what kind of house should one reside ? and among what kind of people should one live? These are matters of great importance for a noble householder. The author of the grantha who expounds this principle, has in his view two vital points.
(1) Freedom from fear; or fearlessness. (2) The need to conform to the principles of purity, and
noble character and conduct.
A noble householder should reside in such a house and in such a locality as conduce to the security and safety of the members of his family. He should live in a house and in a locality where his wealth and belongings will be safe and secure. In case a woman or a boy or a girl has to be alone in the house, he or she should be able to stay there alone without any fear. There should be no fear of thieves or robbers or rogues and wicked people. You must choose such a place for your residence where the members of your family can be fearless and safe in your absence in case you have to be absent from home at any time.
Your house should not be located in an open area. There should not be open space on the four sides of your house. Thieves and robbers find it very easy to break into such houses. If there are no houses nearby, then no one will be able to hear