Way of Life Part 4

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

Page 76

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THE WAY OF LIFE
Acharya gently smiled and he refused to do so. Pethad requested him to give him the vrat to limit his attachment to one hundred rupees. The Gurudev refused. When Pethad desired a limit of one thousand, the Gurudev asked him to increase the limit. Then, Pethad requested him to prescribe the limit.
The Gurudev advised him to fix five lakh as the limit. Pethad was greatly amazed; and said, "Gurudev! I do not know how to count one lakh rupees. I cannot even imagine how I can come to possess five lakh rupees".
The Acharya said, "Pethad! you are a fortunate man. There is a great good fortune in store for you. When your fortune smiles upon you, you will acquire wealth which you cannot even imagine. The limit of attachment should be high in the case of a fortunate man like you so that when you acquire enormous wealth your mind may not become fickle and changeful; and so that there should not arise the possibility of a breach of the vrat."
Pethad Shah acted according to the commands of the Gurudev. He undertook the parigrah pariman vrat limiting his attachment to five lakh rupees. According to the vow, if he got more than five lakh rupees, he could not keep it with him. He would have to spend the excess on some noble and auspicious activities and undertakings.
THIS IS WEAKNESS.... THIS IS ATTACHMENT
From the Audience: If we get more wealth than the limit prescribed by the parigrah pariman vrat, can we not give away the excess to our wives and children?
Maharajashri That is not possible. It cannot be done. Do you realize what impels you to do so? The attachment for wealth impels you to do so. When you once undertake the parigraha pariman vrat you should not desire to acquire more wealth than the limit prescribed by the vow. If you keep a lower limit and if you later happen to get more wealth by your good fortune, your minds will grow changeful. "Should I spend all this wealth? Should I give it away?" Your mind