Vajjalaggam

SR No.: 020873
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: M V Patwardhan
Publisher: Prakrit Text Society
Publication Year: 1969
Total Pages: 706
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 11 MB

Page 354

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13. SECTION ON THE POOR
289
130) What forsooth can a poor, helpless man do although The may be great in his spirit of enterprise, determination and selfrespect, when adverse fate shatters to pieces his valour (enthusiasm, morale, energy) (19) ?
131) Behold the result of Karma already acquired. Both Siva (Hara) and Visņu (Kṛṣṇa) were present on the scene at the beginning of the churning of the ocean (by the gods and the demons), (and yet) poison fell to the lot of Siva, while Viṣṇu was lucky enough to secure Lakṣmi with her swelling and thick-set
breasts.
132) Only that which is ordained by fate is obtained by a person. For when the ocean was churned (by the gods and demons), nectar went to the gods, Laksmi accrued to Visņu, the destroyer of the demon Madhu, and poison fell to the lot of Šiva.
13. The Section on the Poor
133) Oh mother do not give birth to such a son, as is given to begging of others (for satisfying his wants). Similarly do not at any time bear in your womb him who does not grant a request made to him.
134) Beauty of form, moral virtues, shame (modesty), truthfulness, noble ancestry (or family-status) and self-respect are valid (i.e. command attention and compel admiration) only so long as one does not (abjectly) utter the words "Pray, give unto me".
135) Fate has in this world made a destitute person to be even lighter than a straw or cotton. Why is he then not blown away by the wind? (Of course) through fear that he would pester it with an entreaty for (fulfilment of his needs)!
136) When a (self-respecting) person says to another "Please give unto me", his heart pounds furiously, his tongue rolls about inside the throat and the loveliness (lustre) of his face disappears (comes to an end).
137) Clouds become darkened, when, after great effort, they receive (suck up) the water of the ocean. But they, to be sure, become bright after they give it away (in the form of rain). Behold VL...19