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LECTURE XIX.
93 so is it difficult for a weak man to live as a Sramana. (40)
"As it is difficult to weigh Mount Mandara in a balance, so it is difficult to live as a Sramana with a steady and fearless mind. (41)
"As it is difficult to swim over the sea with one's arms, so it is difficult for one whose mind is not pacified, (to cross) the ocean of restraint. (42)
“Enjoy the fivefoldi human pleasures. After you have done enjoying pleasures, O son, you may adopt the Law.” (43)
He answered: 'O father and mother, it is even thus as you have plainly told; but in this world nothing is difficult for one who is free from desire. (44)
'An infinite number of times have I suffered dreadful pains of body and mind, repeatedly misery and dangers. (45)
'In the Samsara, which is a mine of dangers and a wilderness of old age and death, I have undergone dreadful births and deaths. (46)
'Though fire be hot here, it is infinitely more so there (viz. in hell) 2 ; in hell I have undergone suffering from heat. (47)
Though there may be cold here, it is of infinitely greater intensity there; in hell I have undergone suffering from cold. (48)
1 Viz. those of the five senses.
The description of hell is a favourite theme with the monks of all ages and all religions; and the Gaina monks are not behind others in the treatment of this gruesome subject. A detailed description of the different hells will be found in the fifth lecture of the first book of the Sätrakritânga. I remember a yati showing me, with much complacency, a manuscript of the latter work adorned with lively illustrations of the most exquisite tortures.
