"A Higher State Of Existence..."

Shrimadji said about "The Ideal House-holder..."


"A wise layman resorts to spiritual means even while staying as a house-holder; his family life is also therefore considered praiseworthy. 


He performs Samayik (practice of equanimity), undertakes atonement and observes the vow of avoiding food-drinks after sunset as well as such other restraints. 


He treats other's wives as mothers or sisters. 


He gives donations to the utmost possible extent. 


He speaks in a quiet, sweet and pleasing manner. 


He contemplates over the contents of right scriptures. 


To the extent possible he does not resort to fraud, deception etc. even for the sake of livelihood. 


He gives due respect to the parents, wife, sons, monks and Guru. 


He extends essence of religion to the parents. 


He takes care that vigilance is observed in the household activities like cleaning, cooking, storing, bed spreading, etc. 


While behaving carefully he teaches the wife and sons to be courteous and religious. 


He encourages the sense of unity in the entire family. 


He receives and treats the guests with due respect. 


He does not send away beggar without giving food. he keeps contact with saintly people and adopts their teaching. 


He always behaves within limits and remains contended. 


He maintains scriptural texts in the home to the extent possible. 


He maintains the life with a low level of activities. 


The enlightened people state that such a family-life leads to a higher state of existence..."(12)