Jain Journal 1971 04

Author(s): Jain Bhawan Publication
Publisher: Jain Bhawan Publication

Page 53

158
Ardraka
"(Mahavira) acquires no new (karman), he annihilates the old, avoiding wrong opinions; and thus the Saviour said to others: Herein is contained the vow (leading to) Brahman (i.e., mokşa); this is the gain which a Sramana is desirous of. Thus I say.
"Desiring riches and about to earn their living. pleasures, unworthy, and
"A merchant kills living beings and desires property; not leaving his kinsmen, he attracts a crowd in order to do business.
JAIN JOURNAL
addicted to sensuality, merchants wander But we (say) they are passionately fond of desiring the enjoyment of love.
"They do not abstain from slaughter and the acquirement of property, they are in bondage and full of wickedness; and their gain of which you spoke, will be the endless Circle of Births and pains manifold.
"They do not always make profit, nor does it last for ever; they meet with both results (success and failure) in their quest of gain. The profit (of the teacher), however, has a beginning, but no end; the Saviour and Sage shares his profit (with others).
"Him, who kills no (living beings), who has compassion on all creatures, who is well grounded in the Law, and causes the truth of the Law to be known, him you would equal to those wicked men! This is the outcome of your folly."
Translated by HERMANN JACOBI