Gaudavaho

Author(s): Vakpatiraj, Narhari Govind Suru, P L Vaidya, A N Upadhye, H C Bhayani
Publisher: Prakrit Text Society Ahmedabad

Page 535

238
Gaüdavabo
shown by masters. They, however, calm down (forears), when they find even rascals or wicked ones being honoured by them.
876. If, sometimes, worthy men of merit find that they have been given admission and are allowed to occupy some space (ATCHT) in royal households, they need not think much about it. They may look upon it as common courtesy generally shown to all and sundry (THTHUI). Or it may be that there is some motive (fufhai) behind it; may be good or may be ulterior.
877. If, for some reasons, it happens that men of merit have incurred the displeasure of kings, they should not expect to be treated with honour by these kings. Their very popularity among the people becomes the reason for kings to discard them. Lokamanya Tilak or Mahatma Gandhi were always kept at a distance by the ruling class. Cf. नरपतिहितकर्ता द्वेष्यतां याति लोके । जनपदहितकर्ता त्यज्यते पार्थिवेन । इति महति विरोधे विद्यमाने समाने । नपतिजनपदानां दुर्लभः कार्यकर्ता ।। सुभा०
878. People avoid you if you have no merit in you. But if you have any special merit in you, you become to others a source of jealousy and mental uneasiness. Best way, therefore, is to cultivate no merit in you or if you possess any merit, do not show it off and become obtrusive, treading on others toes. Thereby you may live happily.
879. Men in authority turn away (foT37773) their hearts from good men, because they cannot bear (u ) to see them highly honoured (afsafa). This is like throwing away (T37UT) all decorative ornaments from the body for fear of their heavy load, which they will have to carry, unmindful of the fact they add charm to your person.
881. With a view to establishing one's own superiority in a particular merit like music, painting or dance, one is jealously vehement in running down other skilled persons in the same field. This is quite understandable. But it is sheer malicious wickedness (THT) on the part of the meritless to betray their mean-minded intolerence, when others with merit are hailed with joy and are applauded (TTTT).
882. It is easy to deceive others by a show of superficial, short-term behaviour and be considered a good man. That never