Disclaimer: This translation does not guarantee complete accuracy, please confirm with the original page text.
- A person influenced by non-Jain beliefs, who is insistent on his own doctrines, has a corrupted mind and inner feelings. Without understanding him properly, a monk or a lay follower, with the desire to establish his own religion, may speak insulting words to him. The non-Jain, not believing in the monk's words, will show his displeasure, consider the words harsh, and become angry, even resorting to low acts. He may even harm the monk, like the way Skanda Acharya was harmed by his guardian priest. This shows how he can descend to such a low level.
Seeing this, it is said that the anger of the non-Jain, provoked by the insulting words about his religion, can lead to the destruction of the monk's long life. This means that one should preach Dharma (righteousness) only after knowing the person well. For example, who is this person, a king or someone else? To which deity is he devoted? Which philosophy does he follow, and is he attached to it or not? After knowing all this, one should preach Dharma accordingly. If someone, without knowing this, speaks words that oppose the other person's beliefs, he may even cause the other person's death or harm him in such a way that the monk or lay follower suffers in this life and the next. Therefore, by understanding the other person's intentions, one should preach the principles of true Dharma, the essence of the soul, etc., in a way that benefits both oneself and others.
**20**
Furthermore,
**Commentary:** A wise person should understand the actions and intentions of those to whom he is preaching Dharma. He should try to eliminate their false beliefs. He should explain to them that beauty, women, etc., are dangerous. Those who are attached to them will be destroyed. Therefore, a wise person, understanding the intentions of others, should preach in such a way that it benefits both mobile and immobile beings.
**21**
**Shadow:** A wise person should understand the actions and intentions of those to whom he is preaching Dharma. He should try to eliminate their false beliefs. He should explain to them that beauty, women, etc., are dangerous. Those who are attached to them will be destroyed. Therefore, a wise person, understanding the intentions of others, should preach in such a way that it benefits both mobile and immobile beings.
**Translation:** A wise person should understand the actions and intentions of those to whom he is preaching Dharma. He should try to eliminate their false beliefs. He should explain to them that beauty, women, etc., are dangerous. Those who are attached to them will be destroyed. Therefore, a wise person, understanding the intentions of others, should preach in such a way that it benefits both mobile and immobile beings.
**563**