________________
Notes
245
her first union (uraFITATESAT) with the man, who is stingy in taking full advantage of her. For this reason, other youngsters have an eye on her, nay, even may get her (fessur) to enjoy. But they cannot freely and openly indulge in love-sports (FTAMTMTTTT) with her, as the miser has a closed fist and will not give them liberally. Himself he will not utilise his wealth and will not allow others also to make use of his wealth by giving away profusely.
921. The misers keep away from Laksmi, although she is with them by their side (TATTO). They have only to dip. into their pockets to get the money required to spend on themselves; but misers as they are, they will not even touch wealth, as if she is unclean and untouchable, being in her menses. Cfपरिहारवती रजस्वला । Com.
922. Lakşmi is great (17638), but these men, highly accomplish ed, look down upon her as of no consequence or significance (4553). Hence her hostility (fata) against them for their merits, and not for no reason (furpat Tuj u), as she finds herself neglected by them.
924. Lakşmi would disappear in the absence of a good man to cling to. If would be a serious loss for her, never wished for (orreft) by her.
925. Lakşmi is born of Dharma or Righteousness. How can she hate good men ? (HHFIT-ovar). Lakşmi that we find with the unrighteous, or the sinful men, is no Laksmi. She is Alaksmi, Evil fortune, like wealth with the sudden rich upstarts.
926. The wealth of such upstarts soon disappears. On the other hand, the wealth of the righteous (37T3TTTTT) is profuse (farm), lasting and shines bright with use and enjoyment (9fagta 5 ). Such is not the case with the wealth of others (5377).
927. A good man of merits, when poor, has all the good traits in his behaviour, like courtesy and understanding. The moment he becomes rich, we find him changed and spoiled, deveóping defects like vanity and arrogance. Laksmi thus takes away his merits (Taois TU) and invests him with vicious traits (a CTA). In the case of the wicked ones, however, wealth covers up (1 ) their faults and, according to the saying - Ha Junt: ASTAHTATYT- shows them as good men of merits, giving them
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
