bhanuchandragani charit

SR No.: 002310
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Siddhichandra Upadhyay
Publisher: Jinshasan Aradhana Trust
Total Pages: 180
Language: Sanskrit
Classification: Book_Devnagari
File Size: 21 MB

Page 64

INTRODUCTION.
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their fill of sensual pleasures. It is meet that only those who have fully enjoyed such pleasures, may renounce them. They would be good renouncers too. Those who took to asceticism before having had experience of these pleasures, should better be called uncivilized because they cannot distinguish what is essential from what is not. Constant enjoyment of a thing may result into disgust for the same. Mostly the mind always darts at objects unseen and unexperienced. So, the mind of a man, who has not enjoyed these pleasures, always hankers after them.” (279)
In an extremely gentle and sweet tone, the sage replied :-"At present just the reverse of what you said, is seen to happen. In the Krta and other yugas it indeed was a custom for people, who had pursued objects of pleasure in their youth, to turn to asceticism in the latter part of life. In Kali yuga, the ascetics generally turn voluptuaries. In Krta yuga, peaple used to become vānaprasthas even before their hair turned grey; in Kali yuga people remain, nay, grow more addicted to sensual pleasures even after their whole bodies are covered with grey hairs. In the age in which we are born, everything is topsyturvy. The young observe religious vows, while the old break vows which they have already taken." (283)
Then the Emperor said, "I have heard your arguments. They are very reasonable and sound. At present, however, it is not meet that you should lead the life of an ascetic. Your body is as fresh as the bud of a campaka tree Is it proper to throw fire made of chaff on a mālati (Jasmine) or to try to cleave the nalini creeper with & saw? It would be as improper as to bind a silken dress with leather straps. It is folly to stuff one's eyes with soot. Would it be wise to hammer a glass jug? Would the wise approve of dealing sword-thrust to the interior column of plaintain tree? O, young man ! are the hardships like plucking hairs of the head) &c. a fit treatment to your body which is as delicate as the top of a sirişa flower? Of all the ās'ramas (four religious stages of life), that of the householder is the highest, because the very existence of others depends upon it. You are like an ocean surrounded by rivers; hence like an ocean you should marry and stay like my son with me. It is universally accepted that the quintessence of this mundane existence is seen personified in the fawn-eyed women. Hence, at my instance, accept a wife, wbereby your life on this earth would be useful due to the acquisition of sons. Even a tree, which does not bear fruit, is condemned by villagers. Begging for food one of the rules of conduct for Jaina Monks) is said to be inferior even to a piece of straw. Aren't you ashamed of a thing which is condemned as utterly unworthy ? Oh, your beauty, your energy and your learning-all make you look lustrous; but your walking on foot (another rule for Jaina monks) mars everything. Whatever is created by the Almighty is meant for our comfort. Following that object of creation, we become the happiest of all. In this world you are leading a miserable life. Your life in the next world will be more miserable because you are intent upon transgressing the path prescribed by God.” (297)
On hearing this well-reasoned words of the Sultān, Siddhicandra courageously and promptly replied “Whatever has been ordered by Your Majesty is very true