________________
संसारेऽस्मिन् जनिमृतिजरातापतप्ता मनुष्या:, सम्प्रेक्षन्ते शरणमनघं दुःखतो रक्षणार्थम् । नो तद् द्रव्यं न च नरपति पि चक्री सुरेन्द्रः,
किन्त्वेकोऽयं सकलसुखदो धर्म एवास्ति नान्यः ॥१७॥ Meaning :- All the beings in this world have been, more or less, disgusted with the wanderings in the hellish and animal kingdoms. They, therefore, ardently desire to be liberated from this particular misery and pine for happiness. The problem of problems, then is as to who has got the power to bestow protection when the ultimate futility of the wealth, property, capital, family and the whole retinue of servants has been proved beyond doubt in the foregoing pages. Who is best able to guarantee us security like a friend ? Is there really any one who can do this? The reply to this question is easy and simple but what is really wanted is implicit faith in it. Oh ! friend ! hear with faith if you have faith at all. When all will desert you at the time of your death, religion, formulated and preached by those perfect teachers who have comprehended the essence of all things, which is able to unravel the mysterious immutable lay of Karma and which is indeed fit to bring immense wealth to the practitioner is the only thing invested with the intrinsic potetiality to grant shelter, help, and security. Therefore, resort to it which is like a friend, giving need when need is indeed felt or required. (17)
17
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org