________________
342
PHILOSOPHY OF SOUL
Therefore, I realised that my miseries must be the rewards of my own deeds. I recollected a stanza narrated to me by a Jain Monk. "Abandon the root of Karmas. Attain glory by forbearance.
Thus thou shalt secure higher state by leaving the physical existence."
I began to search for the root of deeds and I realised that violence, falsehood, theft, cohabitation and hoarding etc. lead to the path of sins. To be free from Karmic bonds one should abandon these sinful activities and resort to forbearance peace, purity etc.
But this could be only possible if my pain abated a little. I, therefore, mentally resolved that if I would be relieved of these pains then I would devote myself to forbearance, genercsity and passivity having initiated myself to monkish order.
Oh, King, no sooner did I resolve thus and try to sleep, than my ailing was calmed down and in the morning I was completely alright.
Finding me suddenly cured my entire family was overjoyed, father thought the money he spent was rewarded, my mother found her vows and abstinences fruitful. The brothers thought that their serving was compensated and the sisters believed that their blessings were fructified. I silently told them all, "This is the result of my solemn resolve". I described my resolve before them and requested them to allow me to embrace the saintly life.
Hearing these words all of them were much despaired and became speechless. Their eyes began to flow with tears. They began to argue in various manners and persuaded me not to renounce the worldly affairs. I merely replied, "I am not in a position at all to enjoy life being engrossed in worldly affairs. At last all my relatives consented to allow me to follow the path of bliss. I thus embraced the path of self-restraint.
Oh, King, this soul is as painful as the river Vaitarni and the Shalmali tree. This soul is also the bestower of bliss like the wishfulfilling cow and tree. The soul is the creator of bliss and miseries. If soul treads on the path of virtues, it reaps bliss and treading on the path of vices brings forth miseries. Therefore it is the mission
