Way of Life Part 3

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

Page 89

DISCOURSE 54
and we choose a house from the economic point of view. We choose a house if the rent is low. We do not think of the neighbours.
Maharajashri : Then you cannot live fearlessly. The character and security of the members of your family will be in danger. You will suffer a loss economically as well as in respect of the character and safety of the members of your family. You have to think of this point seriously. You must pay attention to these factors when you rent a house or when you build a new house for your residence. You have to think specially of the neighbours. Countless evils have crept into some families on account of the neighbours or because of their vices and ignoble qualities and conduct.
In our social life, the dharma or the philosophical outlook of our neighbours also matters greatly. The neighbours have their own activities and contacts, their visitors and their visits to the houses of others. The neighbours may visit your house also. If the traditions and practices of your neighbours are different from yours, your traditions and practices also may be affected. Such influences fall easily on children. Man's nature is such that he acquires bad qualities and bad habits easily. If there is one putrefied betel leaf, it can cause the putrefaction of fifty leaves; but fifty wholesome leaves cannot make one rotten leaf wholesome.
A REAL INCIDENT : (1)
The cultured family of a retired head-master was spoilt in this manner. Their neighbours were not good people. The head-master had five sons. When the eldest son was married,. the daughter-in-law came to live with her husband. All were extremely happy. The daughter-in-law was a lady of noble character and a serene disposition. She took over all the work of her mother-in-law and did it herself. The mother-in-law had a lot of leisure. She used to go to the neighbouring houses; she used to praise her daughter-inlaw before her neighbours. On hearing the praise, some neighbours said: "Do not praise your daughter-in-law