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Christian Lindtner
Jambu-jyoti
8,
If, however, they have studied dharma, then, by its yoga, they will come to see the truth. This is his great greatness. He is the only guru of the world!
XXVII. Eight Verses Refuting that Jina's Gift is without Value
An opponent may object : What, exactly, is the benefit to be established from his gift so that one may with certainly obtain liberation in this very rebirth ?
2.
Reply : It is because such karma responsible for the incarnation of an ascetic (tirthakrnnāmakarma) arises in heaven only that he is active in the welfare only of all living beings. Also, a great soul [is active) in demonstrating the factors of dharma and of his gift. He does so by means of (factors] properly belonging to various stages of virtue], and this is because he has compassion for each and every sliving being]. (His gift) produces a pure mental attitude, and it cuts down pertinacity. It is a vital factor for true elevation, and it generates compassion. Also, it generates insight.—Even though Bhagavat here, in his second birth, puts on a divine cloth, he still has a generous mind. This is due to his extraordinary compassion.
AL
5.
So, his task of duty (i.e. generosity and compassion) cannot therefore be considered a matter of a different attitude. On the other hand it is true that one stage of virtue is conditioned by another (stage of] virtue. As to the sūtra that begins : "Those, however, who praise the gift...", great souls must look upon this as referring to different stages [of virtue).
8.
So, there is really no new meaning of this to be established from that. It is, in fact, as before. Thus karma is cast off.
XXVIII. Eight Verses showing it not to be Wrong for an Ascetic to
give away even his Kingdom etc.
Another opponent objects : It is certainly a fault of his to give away his kingdom, etc., for as a king he has a great responsibility. [If he gives it away) he does not understand the path to truth.
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