Noble Use of Money
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people used to donate gold coins, isn’t that considered a form
of money?
Dadashri: Yes donations of gold coins were given to
only the Shraman Brahmins (Jain ascetics). They cannot ask
anyone for anything so people would give them charity of gold
coins for their daily sustenance and for the marriage of their
daughters. Back in those days the money-coins were used for
a good cause. Nowadays it is different, today even the derasars
(Jain temples) are built from illicit money. Such is the influence
of this time cycle!
The Gnani’s Viewpoint…
Questioner: There is often a dilemma about this, but in
your view, which is higher, donation for knowledge (vidyadaan)
or education or donation of money?
Dadashri: Charity of education is higher. Those who
have money should give towards education and gnan (spiritual
knowledge). For gnan you should have books printed and give
in other ways to propagate it. How is gnan propagated? The
money should be spent only for gnan. Those with and without
money, should focus on abayadaan. They should live in such a
way that no one fears them. It is not proper for people to
donate money for prestige and fame. Monuments have been
constructed for fame and prestige, but none of these monuments
have survived. When are you able to carry forward credits of
what you do in this life? It is when you give for the propagation
of gnan and education.
The Book That Helps Is Worth It!
Questioner: Thousands of religious books are printed
but no one reads them.
Dadashri: That is true, nobody reads them, and they just
collect dust. You are right when you say that a book is worth