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DISCOURSE 81
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rally. People naturally acquire the virtues of patience, magnanimity and seriousness.
If man is excessively passionate and excessively, covetous of wealth, he cannot enjoy peace of mind and he will be mentally agitated because excessive lust and excessive cupidity do not allow Dharma to exist in the life of man. If there is no Dharma, there can be no equanimity.
WHAT TO DISCARD ? WHAT TO RETAIN ?
Realise the greatness of Dharma and endeavour to pursue the path of Dharma. The great acharya says; “
"SERTATUTE THIETET”
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If you have to discard the Kamapurushartha or the pursuit of sensual pleasures, you may do so but you should not discard Arthapurushartha and Dharmapurushartha.
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If you have to discard the Kamapurushartha and the Arthapurushartha, you may discard them but you should not discard the Dharmapurushartha.
What compassionate and magnificent guidance has the Acharya given ? If you can retain and pursue the objectives of Artha and Dharma, discarding the Kamapurushartha, you can do so. If you can attain Artha and Dharma you can attain sensual pleasures later. I think it is for this reason that you have come to this city leaving your families in your native places. Is it not so ? If you acquire wealth here and buy houses you can bring your families here. If you want to retain Dharma you can build Jin temples and Upashrayas here and you can adore Dharma, according to your capacity.
If you remain in your native places on account of your attachment for them and if you cannot earn money there, what will happen ? You will have to live in poverty. When you are living in poverty, you cannot pursue either the Kamapurushartha or the Arthapurushartha.
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