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[ The Cowherds cruelty towards the Lord like Indra could not be expected in the least to do so". perhaps, the Lord did not allow Indra to have his way for this very reason. Indra became a staunch votary of the Lord, after seeing his deep devotion, austere penance, downright self-denial and other like attributes. He, then, prompted by his great affection for the Lord, entreated him to permit him to live with him. But the Lord had not the least affection for his body, how could he then, accept service or protection offered by Indra or any body else ? How could the darkness or fear or troubles stand before the brilliant light of his great spirit? O Readers, what a unique lesson of self-reliance combined with innocence, truth and fearlessness has Mahavira taught you through his conduct. But Oh, how mercilessly you, the professed followers and worshippers of his name, throttle virtues like innocence, truth and fearlessness. This is how you have lost your spiritual force and look up to others for help in the ordinary affairs of your life; selfliberation is an extremely distant thing for you. To-day, you have lost all sincerity, truth and intrepidity on account of your ignorance; and thus you have enslaved yourself and your country. Is there any limit to this slavery ? Oh the followers of omniscient and brave Lord, if you have, in your heart, the least regard for your lord and his conduct, you should cut down the chains of slavery and break down the fetters of serfdom. Gird up your lions ! Don't bring blot on the name and worship of your omniscient Lord. Awake! Arise ! Make the innocence, truth and intrepidity of your Lord your own; and, thus, relearn the lesson of self-reliance and carry it out in the daily conduct of your life. You can realize your lost spiritual force only through self-reliance. Which is that swaggering nation that can call you cowards
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