Atmanushasan

SR No.: 004018
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Todarmal Pandit
Publisher: Ganeshprasad Varni Digambar Jain Sansthan
Publication Year: 1983
Total Pages: 250
Language: Hindi
Classification: Book_Devnagari
File Size: 18 MB

Page 14

Prologue
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happiness,' (Verse no, 21). He further emphasizes the importance of Dharma thus : 'Even an enemy becomes a friend due to the influence of Dharma and friend turns into enemy when Dharma has been lost. Thus only Dharma is the saviour of Jiva (living beings)', (Verse no. 26).
The learned poet has at several places pointed out the damaging role that is played by women in bringing the downfall of themselves as well as men, and other acts which are not worthy of a woman. For example, he reminds that 'One should remember the pain and humiliation suffered in the association of women who have hurt several times by cupid arrows just as the snow causes coldburns to tender trees', (Verse no. 53). Further he says that 'the one, who has practised penance for a whole lifetime, and then feels a desire for women, keeps revolving in the whirlpool of world and the life of an ordinary person is better than the useless life of such an ascetic', (Verse no. 198). We may put a note of caution here that the aim of these verses is in no way to degrade or insult the women. These are merely wārnings to men who easily succumb to the charms of women.
It is most interesting to note that Acharya Gurbhadra has devoted a number of verses to the deterioration of character setting in among the muni and Sadhu and seems to be seriously concerned about it. He must have come across incidents of such degradation in his time. These verses have become even rnore relevant in the present times when controversies about the conduct of muni and sadhu are raging the society. The author says, "the rulers make it a point to punish only those who have money so that he may extract some money from them. Since the sadhus are Jungle beings and do not keep any money, they are rarely punished for their mis-conducts. The Acharya(a senior sadhu who leads a group of sadhus) wields little influence over the new disciples and are incapable of keeping them on the right path. Under these circumstances, it is very rare to find a Sadhu who really complies with the Dharme, (verse no. 149) He further illustrates his point by saying that even a child, when falls down from his cot, gets scared of it and becomes