________________
112
(of the fool or of the prudent) enlongen or cut short their stay (in various existences).
JAIN JOURNAL
On this, Skandaka of the Katyayana line was enlightened. He paid homage and obeisance to Sramana Bhagavan Mahavira and having done so made the following submission :
-Bhante ! I am keen to hear from thee the tenets of religion as propounded by the Kevalins.
-Do as it may please you, oh beloved of the gods, but delay not.
Thereon, Sramana Bhagavan Mahavira gave his spiritual discourse to Skandaka of the Katyayana line and to the vast audience. Spiritual discourse to be reproduced. On hearing and assimilating the words of Sramana Bhagavan Mahavira, Skandaka became immensely happy,... till his heart expanded with glee. He rose from his seat; having got up he respectfully moved round the Lord thrice, and having done so, he submitted as follows:
-Bhante ! I adore the Nirgrantha prescriptions. Bhante! I have faith in the Nigrantha prescriptions. Bhante! I have taste for the Nirgrantha prescriptions. Bhante ! I embrace the Nirgrantha prescriptions. Bhante! They are correct. Bhante! They are true. Bhante ! They are beyond doubt. Bhante! They portend to bliss. Bhante! They portend to great bliss. Bhante! They portend to bliss, great bliss. Bhante! So they are, as well ordained by thee.
So saying, he paid homage and obeisance to Sramana Bhagavan Mahavira. Having done so, he repaired in the north-eastern direction. Having gone thither, he discarded his tridanda...till saffron robes on a lonely spot. Having deposited them there, he came back to the place where Sramana Bhagavan Mahavira was. Having arrived there, he respectfully moved round the Lord thrice, and having done so, till obeisance, and made the followng submission :
Jain Education International
-Bhante! The world is ablaze. Bhante! The world is burning. Bhante! The world is ablaze and burning because of old-age and death. When a house is ablaze, the householder first takes out to a safer place objects that are precious and light, and thinks that these objects rescued (from fire) will, hereafter, be of great help, happiness, support, and wellfare, and will follow him. Likewise, oh beloved of the gods, my soulis an object coveted, dear, nice, beautiful, delightful, enchanting, sup
For Private & Personal Use Only
...
www.jainelibrary.org