396 Aptavani-2
have anuvrat and also different religions here too have anuvrat. However, these vrats do not have the seal of approval by the vitarag Lords. When people gain the understanding that this vrat is one given by the vitarag Lords, that vrat falls in their experience and conduct and therefore it is called anuvrat and this is acceptable to the vitarag Lords. In reality even other people do not steal either, but this non-stealing is a natural conduct for them. Here one is easily aware that one should not steal, then why is it still considered a minor vow( anuvrat)? He may not steal overtly but he steals a lot through his mind; that is why it is called anuvrat. And what is the definition of mahavrat? It is when there is also no stealing through the mind, body and speech.
Questioner: What if one does not wish to steal but is forced to do so by circumstances?
Dadashri: If one steals driven by circumstances, he is not held accountable( spiritually; in karmic sense), but he reaps the consequences for his action on the outside. If one is fortunate enough to have a lot of punyas, then he will not suffer external consequences, otherwise even if that person has never stolen anything in his life, he will get caught the moment he does. The external or overt consequences are proof of one’ s bad intentions. Never do I hold accountable anyone who steals driven by circumstances. One situation is driven by circumstances whereas the other is driven by one’ s inherent nature( swabhav). There is a tremendous difference between the two. The one, who is a thief by nature, will always be looking for things and ways to steal and he will steal from wherever he can. All the while he is talking to you, he is constantly checking to see where he can steal. Whereas the one forced to steal due to his circumstances is not guilty. Even a King may have to steal due to circumstances. Did you understand vrat and mahavrat? Wearing white clothes does not signify that one is in compliance with the vrat. Not stealing through the mind, body and speech