Way of Life Part 4

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

Page 14

THE WAY OF LIFE
rushas would be pleased only with those who render service to them without any selfish desires. He also knew that such yogis would bestow their benefactions only upon those who possess mental and spiritual strength.
One must possess three lofty virtues if one should become worthy of the grace of great men. The three virtues are; freedom from selfish desires; selfless service and unstinting patience. Of course, Ded was in dire poverty but he exercised control over his mental propensities. For three days, he did not ask the yogi for anything. He did not also weep over his poverty. He was merely rendering service to the yogi patiently bearing with his hunger and thirst.
Nagarjun was greatly impressed by these virtues of Ded. He was greatly pleased with the merchant. He asked Ded, "Son ! Why are you not taking food? Why have you come here?"
Ded told the yogi whatever he had to say. He spoke the truth without concealing anything because he knew this, "When we speak to great men, we should speak the truth and we should speak what is pleasant and agreeable”. On hearing Ded's true and sweet words, Nagarjun was moved to compassion. His heart overflowed with compassion. Nagarjun yogi was a treasurehouse of spiritual powers. By means of his miraculous powers, Nagarjun yogi secured from the sky a plate full of food and milk; and placing it before Ded, said, "Please, take this food”.
FIDELITY AND CONFORMITY TO NOBLE CUSTOMS
Folding his hands, Ded said in a humble manner, "O you revered sage! kindly excuse me. I cannot take this food because it has been secured from an unknown house. You know, noble men do not ignore their customs and practices even if they are in the worst of calamities”.
The reply given by Ded was of vital significance. He falsified a statement found in the Nithishastra (a book on ethical behaviour). In the Nithishastra, it is said, "auferat få F tfa CET?" (which sin does not a hungry man commit?) That means, a hungry man commits any sin. But Ded though ex