________________
less. They have a support from the holy scriptures. In the Rayapasena Sutra, we come across an example of a king named Paradesi. How wicked was he formerly? Whatever demerits are there in this world, to name but a few, murderous cruel, brutal, tyrranous, agnostic, heretic etc. were all in him. But he took no time in being converted to righteousness when he came into contact with a saint, Kesi. All his vices left him and he became pious. Contrary to this, Jamali, who took consecration with increasing detachment, learnt and mastered eleven conocical texts, cut a brilliant figure in amongst the monks, lost faith with the passage of time in the teachings of the Guru, forgot the enormous obligation of the Guru, misinterpreted the Guru's teachings and thus finally ended as a heretic. Now when the matter stands like this, who should be considered good and who, bad? Who should be loved and who should be scorned ? None of the two behaviours is worth approval of following. This much is true that one must try to acquire virtues, to give up vices and to be indifferent. None should be disliked nor hated. All have inherited their natures according to the immutable law of Karmas. No one should poke one's nose into it. Give right advice so long as possible, otherwise remain indifferent. (5)
INDIFFERENCE IN FAVOURABLE OR UNFAVOURABLE CIRCUMSTANCES The external circumstances are also changeful. They appear favourable at one moment and become unfavourable,
125
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
