40
Noble Use of Money
Questioner: Liberation comes faster.
Dadashri: Yes, these people go to moksha. They will
achieve absolute knowledge (Keval Gnan). Only the Kshatriyas
can become Tirthankaras. The Banias admit to me that we are
indeed Kshatriyas. This is a very deep science. The Banias are
thinkers; they only act after thoroughly thinking things through.
The Kshatriyas tend to act before they think through, and they
regret their actions also. The regrets are less for the Banias.
Rewards Used Up In A Commemorative Plaque
A person donates one hundred thousand rupees and has
his name engraved on a commemorative plaque. Another person
gives only one rupee, but he does so anonymously. The
anonymous donation is far more valuable, because he has not
received any recognition in return, whereas the other man used
up all his rewards by having his name displayed for all to see.
In his case he gave and he immediately received in return, whereas
the anonymous person’s reward is still pending. If you give me
a hundred-rupee note, and I give you back in change, then I do
not need to give you anything more, nor is there anything left for
you to receive. The transaction is complete.
I have visited many temples and other places, where the
walls are covered with such plaques! What is the value of such
plaques? Their only purpose is fame for the individual donor.
And where countless such plaques are to be found, there no
one bothers to read them! If there was only one such plaque in
a temple, people will have time to read, but what happens when
there are walls and walls of such plaques? Despite this, people
insist on having a plaque in their name. That is all they care
about.
Buying Their Name For Fame
Questioner: There is no point in giving without any
understanding.