________________
CHAPTER-I
23
So, if one gets the association of a discourser possessing these distinctive traits, it is highly beneficial and if not obtained then one ought to listen the Shastras from the mouth of those discoursers only who possess qualities of right belief, etc. It is desirable to listen to the Shastras from the mouth of Munis (monks) and Shravakas (householders) possessing such characteristics and it is not worth listening the Shastras customarily or with the greed of listening the Shastras from the mouth of sinful persons, who are not possessed of the rightbelief, etc. traits. Also it is said that :
"तं जिण आण परेण य धम्मो सोयव्व सुगुरु पासम्मि ।
TE FELT HESIT, deya ghe pe 1137 23 (37.F.T.)" The one who is attentive in obeying the omniscient's commandments, it is worth-while for him to listen to the sermons from (the mouth of) a Nirgrantha (naked possessionless) true preceptor monk or should listen to religious discourses from the proper true believer Shravaka (householder) who interpretes the sermons of the true preceptor only.
Only such discourser, who preaches with religious attitude, can do good of the self and of other Jivas (capable souls) also, and one who preaches with passional attitude, harms himself as well as other Jivas.
Characteristics of Listeners Now the characteristics of a listener are being described. He whose future seems to be bright thinks "Who am I? What is my inherent nature? How is this all happening to me? What will be the fruit of the thoughts and feelings arising in me? Jiva (the self) is suffering from miseries, so what is the means of ending the miseries? I have to find out the solution of all these questions and should do that which is beneficial to me" - with such thoughts he has become active. Believing that this object can be achieved by listening to Shastras listens to Shastras enthusiastically, asks whatever is to be asked, ponders repeatedly in his innerself over the meaning explained by the preceptors and after determining the true meaning by his own thoughts makes efforts to achieve the desirable - such is the differentia of a new listener.
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org