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OF THE HINDUS.
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by the deities, a model of which is not uncommonly represented in Jain temples. The following is the introductory lecture ascribed to MAHAVIRA by his biographer.
“The world is without bounds, like a formidable ocean; its cause is action (Karma) which is as the seed of the tree. The being (Jiva) invested with body, but devoid of judgment, goes like a well - sinker ever downwards by the acts it performs, whilst the embodied being which has attained purity goes ever upwards by its own acts, like the builder of a palace. Let not any one injure life, whilst bound in the bonds of action; but be as assiduous in cherishing the life of another as his own. Never let any one speak falsehood, but always speak the truth. Let everyone who has a bodily form avoid giving pain to others as much as to himself. Let no one take property not given to him, for wealth is like the external life of men, and he who takes away such wealth commits as it were murder. Associate not with women, for it is the destruction of life: let the wise observe continence, which binds them to the Supreme. Be not encumbered with a family, for by the anxiety it involves the person separated from it falls like an ox too heavily laden. If it be not in their power to shun these more subtle destroyers of life, let those who desire so to do avoid at least the commission of all gross oflences."
When Maihvira's fame began to be widely diffused, it attracted the notice of the Brahmans of Magadha, and several of their most eminent teachers undertook
