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Preface
body has resemblance with things like the moon, why not, instead, get attached to these stainless and first-rate things? It is strange that the mind, neuter in grammar and in meaning, wins over the intelligent man who is masculine, in grammar and in meaning. (verses 131-137)
Austerity (tapa) is much more adorable than sovereignty. The sin-fearing ascetic adopts austerity that removes the fear of worldly existence. Everything is lost with the loss of merit. Brightness is of no use if it has dark spots. In fact, brightness amplifies dark spots. Get rid of the dark spots. (verses 138-140)
The preceptor (guru) who covers up the faults of his disciple is not the true preceptor. The preceptor who keeps a constant and sharp eye even on minor faults of the disciple, and proclaims these with exaggeration, is the true preceptor. Even harsh words of the preceptor blossom the heart of the worthy disciple. (verses 141-142)
In earlier days, the expounders of the ways of the dharma and the listeners were easily found; those who adopted the prescribed conduct were available but scant. But today, neither the expounders nor the listeners are easily found; those who follow the prescribed conduct are almost extinct. Wise men feel contented when the knowledgeable man, apt in classification of virtues and evils, proclaims certain faults in them, but impudent praise by the ignorant man fails to satisfy them. (verses 143-144)
The one whose acceptance of something depends solely on merits, not on any other consideration, and rejection only on demerits, is considered great among the wise. To make yourself happy, accept right faith (samyagdarśana), the cause of merit, and abandon wrong faith (mithyādarśana), the cause of demerit. You will then be equipped with right conduct (samyakcăritra), the storehouse of happiness and renown. Attend, therefore, to the rise and fall responsible for attainment of the excellent state of existence. (verses 145-148)
In this kali age, the preceptors (ācārya) fail to put their follower-ascetics on the right path. In such a situation, among ascetics, those who observe right conduct, as prescribed, are extremely rare, like glittering gems. (verse 149)
(XXIX)
