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त सचित्र उत्तराध्ययन सूत्र
CTH 324
[907
CHAPTER 10 THE TREE-LEAF
Foreview
The title of this chapter based on the first word of first couplet-'Tree-Leaf (94-4e1d-944210).
In the preceding ninth chapter spiritualism was elaborated as vitalized by Śramaņa culture. While by this chpater an adept is inspired to ever remain alert, careful and to utilize the every moment of life.
Taking example of ripen (fallow-whitish-yellow) leaf of a tree the momentariness of life is elaborated and making an adept wakeful he is inspired to be ever careful and never be negligent.
Through out Bhagawana Mahāvira, directly addressing Gautama Ganadhara says that 'O Gautama ! Never be careless even for a moment' but this address is meant for all religious practisers, may they be sages or householders (observers of full or partial vows).
With the description of transient human life; the life-duration and body-duration of five one-sensed immovalable beings, two-sensed, three-sensed, four-sensed movable beings is also described. The life-duration of the beings, having all five senses, we also get.
The underlying idea of all this description lies in the fact, if one does not attain salvation by this human life then he will have to transmigrate in this world upto endless time.
Describing the hindrances, obstacles, panics and diseases in human life, it is told with emphasis that the body is weakening day by day, so never be negligent; and attain salvation as soon as possible.
The intense inspirer of non-negligence, this very chapter can be placed as a scripture of apathy
The language of this chapter is very charming and lucid. The style is so fluent that the reader becomes engrossed in apathetic-thoughts.
According to Niryukti, Cummi etc., the background of this chapter is told the mental depression of Gautama Gañadhara. The cause of this depression were many happenings.
All those happenings are compiled in the book Uttarādhayana Mahimā. Readers are requested to read that book.
The primary cause of Gautama's depression was not attaining supreme knowledge; while many saints adopting monkhood after him attained that. The main cause of non-revealing the supreme knowledge was his pious-love with Bhagawāna Mahavira. Therefore Bhagawāna Mahāvīra instantly inspired Gautama to break down all the love-snares in the 281!: couplet of this chapter.
The whole chapter endowed with carcfulness, constant wakefulness, and practising conduct and knowledge. For fauitless and constant adeptation this chapter is full of inspirations.
This chapter contains 37 couplets.
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