________________
(54)
ELEVENTH CHAPTER: THE DAVADRAV: INTRODUCTION
Title-Davadave Davadrava species of tree that is highly sensitive to the coastal winds. Changes in environmental conditions have varying effects on trees. As the natural growth of every individual human being is governed by the inherent strength of his constitution, the same is true for trees. Some trees can tolerate the changes and others cannot. This appropriate example from nature has been used to explain the tolerance of a spiritual practicer. On the path of spiritual progress tolerance is a basic and essential element.
Gist of the story-Gautam Swami asked Shraman Bhagavan Mahavir how a being becomes an aspirer or decliner? Bhagavan explained that on the seashore there are lush green Davadrav trees. When the wind blows from the island many of these trees remain unaffected but some wither. Similarly ascetics who tolerate criticism by people of their own school but fail to do so in case of criticism by people of other schools are partial decliners.
There are many trees that wither away when the wind blows from the sea but some remain unaffected. Similarly, ascetics who tolerate the criticism by people of other schools but fail to do so in case of criticism by people of their own school are partial aspirers.
When no wind blows either from the island or from the sea all the Davadrav trees wither. Similarly, those ascetics who cannot tolerate any criticism by anyone are absolute decliners.
When winds blow from all directions all the Davadrav trees remain healthy. Similarly, ascetics who can tolerate any criticism by anyone are. absolute aspirers.
Lio
Jain Education International
--
JNĀTA DHARMA KATHANGA SUTRA
For Private & Personal Use Only
مممم
47
www.jainelibrary.org
