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BOOK I, LECTURE 8, LESSON 4.
85
Ceasing to use the stick (i. e. cruelty) against living beings, abandoning the care of the body, the houseless (Mahâvira), the Venerable One, endures the thorns of the villages (i.e. the abusive language of the peasants), (being) perfectly enlightened. (7)
As an elephant at the head of the battle, so was Mahâvira there victorious. Sometimes he did not reach a village there in Ladha. (8)
When he who is free from desires approached the village, the inhabitants met him on the outside, and attacked him, saying, 'Get away from here.' (9)
He was struck with a stick, the fist, a lance, hit with a fruit, a clod, a potsherd. Beating him again and again, many cried. (10)
When he once (sat) without moving his body, they cut his flesh, tore his hair under pains, or covered him with dust. (u)
Throwing him up, they let him fall, or disturbed him in his religious postures ; abandoning the care of his body, the Venerable One humbled himself and bore pain, free from desire. (12)
As a hero at the head of the battle is surrounded on all sides, so was there Mahâvira. Bearing all hardships, the Venerable One, undisturbed, proceeded (on the road to Nirvâna). (13)
This is the rule which has often been followed, &c.
Fourth LESSON. The Venerable One was able to abstain from indulgence of the flesh”, though never attacked by
1 Or his mustaches.
• Or is on his guard.
s Omodariya.
