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BOOK I: THE PRINCIPLE OF KNOWLEDGE
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attaining the divine many-sided knowledge (of the doctrine of anekant), has lost the conceit of knowledge proclaimed by all one-sided views; who has become ultimately impartial (madhyastha), because he has given up all bias or preference of particular views; and who, moreover, realizes that the imperishable bliss of liberation, containing the ultimate truth, available to us because of the five holy parameshthins and exclusively wholesome for the self, since it embraces all hurnan aims, is an object worthy of acceptance adores the five blessed parameshthins (Siddhas, Arhats, Acharayas, Upadhyayas and Sadhus), preceded by the present Tirtha-nayaka (Spiritual Guide, i.e. Lord Mahavira) and the other Tirthankaras, with homage in the form of prostration (pranamana) and eulogy (vandana); and after this, embracing with all his power the way of liberation, he states his intention.
BENEDICTORY VERSES (VERSES 1-5) Detailed Comments on Kundakunda’s Verses 1. I now prostrate myself before Vardhomana, the Tirtha (landing place in the ocean of Transmigration, i.e. Spiritual Guide), promulgator of the law or path of dharma, praised by the best of gods, demons and men, free from the stains of destructive karman.
I now, the person perceived by means of self-consciousness, having for self the self of vision and knowledge in their generality, prostrate myself before the holy Vardhamana, the mention of whose name is auspicious and is worthy of being praised by the most excellent Masters (Bhattarakas), Great Gods, Tutelary Deities and Supreme Lords (Parameshvaras). I first bow before him, because he is our present Guide. He is the guru of the three worlds, because he is praised by the best of gods, demons and men; he possesses the rank of a Supreme Lord, which rank is one of unlimited efficacy and fitted for benevolence towards the world, because he is free from the stains of destructive karman; he is capable of saving us, because he is the Tirtha of the yogins, he is the institutor of a conduct of a wise nature, because he is propounder of the Law, i.e. the path of dharma.
2. (I pay obeisance) also to the other Tirthankaras (the promulgators of the order or the path of dharma) and all the Siddhas (liberated souls), and the Shramanas (saints) of pure nature who are engaged in the practice of knowledge, darshan (vision), conduct, austerities and energy (virya).
