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In Search of the Ultimate
(3) SELECTION FROM UTTARADHYAYAN SUTRA
Uttaradhyayan Sutra is one of the widely read scriptures. The word "Uttar" means answer, it also means better or sometimes it means "the work which was created later". As far as this book is concerned lots of questions and answers are given in it and therefore the translation of the "Uttaradhyayan" could be made as "Lessons taught in the form of answers". This book is full of good and practical advice and consists of a Jain philosophy, principles of Jainism and some short stories. There are 36 lessons in all. Some selected verses from a few lessons are presented here. The original text is believed to be 2,500 years old.
Selected VersesAn apathetic or careless man would not get a place at the Lord's feet. His wealth would not protect him in this or the next world. Even though he knows what is right and what is wrong, he is unable to see the truth like a man in darkness whose lamp has been put out. (4/5)
The intelligent and the wise man keeps himself awake (alert). Do not blindly trust anyone but hover with watchful eyes like a bharand bird knowing that time is bad i.e. death is always coming nearer and the body is fragile. (4/6)
The life is unstable, mortal and full of misery. Now, what should I do so that I will not be born in a miserable existence. By giving up all desires, by disconnecting oneself from the bondage of worldly pleasure and by avoiding temptations one frees oneself from sins.(and re-birth ) ( 8/142)
Fight with your conflicting, wavering thoughts. One can obtain happiness by conquering bad thoughts with the help of good thoughts. ( 9/35)
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