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DISCOURSE 82
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I must think of some occupation which is not likely to bring me loss. There are three ideas in this contemplation. “Who am I? Who are my friends ? What is the state of my income and expenditure ?" Now, we shall think of the importance of the place.
"Can I follow a lucrative occupation in the place where I am living? If I do not find such an occupation here, can I go to some other town or city and carry out a lucrative occupation ? If I go away leaving my family here, will my family be safe here?”
Now, we shall think of the importance of time; "Is it proper on my part to leave my family here and to go away in search of an occupation? This is not the right time. There are my grown-up sons and daughters.... they are studying in colleges. The atmosphere is not good. If they develop some bad habits or addictions, it will cause a great loss and harm to my family. If my sons and daughters fall into bad company that will cause a great harm to my family. Therefore, I have to find some occupation in this place".
NOW, WE SHALL THINK OF YOUR CAPACITY OR INCAPACITY
"I am now working at the rate of seven hours per day. If I take up some other work, I will have to work for two or three hours more ? Am I capable of working for a longer time? Am I physically capable ? Do I have the strength of mind necessary for it? Will it affect my spiritual activities? Will it affect my Kamapurushartha ?”
I have here mentioned briefly the way in which you have to think of the objects, the places, the times and your capacity in connection with some task you have to undertake. I will now explain the same point, by taking the example of a wealthy man.
"I have ten lakh rupees with me. I am a wealthy man. I have two wealthy friends. My income is greater than my expenditure. I can take up some other occupation also. I can venture upon a new enterprise. Even if I happen to lose two or
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