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86. . . "Swami Samantabhadra, I will leave." At that moment, another voice arose from within his heart, "Samantabhadra! You are capable of uplifting the Jain religion in many ways and spreading it. Through your efforts, the ignorance and falsehood of many beings will be destroyed, and they will embark on the path of righteousness. Is this work of religious upliftment and public welfare any less virtuous? If, for the sake of this religious upliftment and public welfare, you were to temporarily relinquish the monkhood and, by ensuring proper arrangements for your food, alleviate your illness and then resume the monkhood, what harm would there be? Your knowledge, faith, and character will not be harmed in the slightest; they will remain with you always. You may not be a monk in terms of physical form or external appearance, but in terms of your inner state, you will remain a monk. So, what is there to think or ponder about? Accept this as a temporary deviation from the path of righteousness. Your ultimate goal has always been the welfare of others. Why are you now making it secondary? If, for the sake of others, you were to sacrifice a little of your own self-interest, temporarily relinquish the monkhood, and benefit many, your character will not be tarnished in the slightest; on the contrary, it will shine even brighter. Therefore, for a few days, relinquish your attachment to the monkhood, and without caring for honor or disgrace, strive to alleviate your illness. It is not insurmountable. Once you are free from this illness, in a state of health, you will be able to observe the monkhood even more perfectly. There is no need to delay; delay will only cause harm."
Thus, for a long time, thoughts arose and fell within Samantabhadra's heart. Finally, he resolved that...