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can a man who is still engaged with trifles talk of bigger things?
Ma Appenna lumpaha bahum (Do not lose more for less)
An important sutra or rule for spiritual practice given by Mahavir is Ma Appenna lumpaha bahum. For little do not lose a lot. This has become the most important moral of Indian philosophy. Kalidas has used this in his poetic compositions. A question was asked: “Who is a pundit (a learned man)?” The answer was that a man who does not lose more for less is the learned one.
A king went to a sage. He heard of the sage's fame. He went near and bowed. As he came close he saw the sage was truly a great seeker and impressed him a lot. Folding his hands in humility the king asked, “Praise be to you my lord. Praise be to your restraint and renunciation. Praise be to your penance. What a big sacrifice you have made! You have left your house, left your family and given up all your wealth. What a big sacrifice you have made.” The king went on this way. The sage replied, “O King! Do not waste the words of praise. Am I the one who has renounced or is it you? Is my sacrifice bigger or yours?” The
Achary Mahaprajna
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