Way of Life Part 3

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

Page 94

82
THE WAY OF LIFE
and tea. The police arrested the two and took them away to the station. The Anglo-Indian became an approver-witness to the case. Ganesh was given a death-sentence.
Nila lost both her lover and her son.
IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT EVEN SADHUS HAVE TO CHOOSE THE PROPER PLACE FOR THEIR STAY
"Where should you build your house?” This is a matter of great importance. We are, of course, sadhus. The Tirtankars have prescribed some principles for us also. They have given directions regarding the places where we may stay; and the place where we should not stay. We do not have wives or children or families. Yet those principles are prescribed with a view to helping us to safeguard our Samyamadharma (the life of self-discipline). Very strict and special principles are prescribed for Sadhvis because the safeguarding of their purity and chastity is of greater importance in their case than in the case of Sadhus. Sadhus can spend a night in a house which has no door-shutters and which is located in a forest; but Sadhvis cannot stay in such houses. Sadhvis can stay during nights only in a house whose doors can be bolted from inside. They are not permitted to stay in a forest during night times. Even when they are staying in a town or city, they should not stay in a house that is located on a public road. Sadhus and Sadhvis cannot stay in an upashraya which is situated in a locality where uncultured and vulgar people live. They cannot also stay in an upashraya located near the houses of people following other dharmas.
A house may be excellent; it may have all comforts and amenities; but it should not be chosen for stay or residence if it is located in a lonely place or if it is very close and adjacent to other houses. In the same manner, you should not reside in a place where the neighbours are not cultured and decent. A REAL INCIDENT: (3)
This incident took place in Ahmedabad. There was a fine bungalow in the Ellis Bridge area. It was a two-storeyed house.