Way of Life Part 4

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

Page 31

DISCOURSE 74
An ordinary and low person gives importance to his own welfare and interests. Even there, he does not think of his spiritual welfare; but he thinks only of his materialistic welfare and physical enjoyments. When troubles appear; and when calamities arise, such a man thinks of his own safety and welfare. The possibility is that he may forget or ignore even the safety and welfare of his family. Such a man does not possess the fitness to carry out any great spiritual austerities. Only he who retains his patience and equanimity even in the midst of difficulties and calamities, can carry on the pilgrimage of his life, in a proper manner. A man who is impatient and cowardly cannot attain success in the pilgrimage of his life.
Ded shravak, the father of Chief Minister Pethad Shah, was a man of unflinching patience and courage. He was carrying on the pilgrimage of his life, in a proper manner, but he did not understand the nature and mental propensities of the people around him. His dealings with people were quite good; but the mentality of people may be strange; you see! The affluence and splendour of Ded shravak brought about jealousy in some people. The news of his affluence reached the ears of the king. The king sent for Ded shravak. When the officers sent by the king entered his house Ded shravak was getting ready to take his food. The officers did not allow him even to take his food. Vimalashri, the wife of Ded shravak was an intelligent woman. She sensed the imminence of danger. She, at once, became cautious. The officers took away Ded shravak to the court of the king. She made a bundle of all the essential and precious articles. She went away taking the bundle with her.
A CALAMITY DESCENDED ON DED
Ded answered the king's questions patiently and fearlessly. The king wanted the treasure. Where was any treasure with Ded ? He said, "Your Highness! Am I so fortunate as to find a treasure ? Only a fortunate man can find a treasure. But, O! king, I think you are speaking of the treasure only as a pretext to grab my wealth but I will not give you a single paisa