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240
SÛTRAKRITÂNGA.
caused by the souls) themselves, nor by others ; but the individual souls experience them; it is the lot assigned them by destiny. This is what they (i.e. the fatalists) say. (2, 3)
Those who proclaim these opinions, are fools who fancy themselves learned; they have no knowledge, and do not understand that things depend partly on fate, and partly on human exertion ". (4)
Thus (say) some heretics?; they are very bold men ; if they act up to their principles, they will never be delivered from misery. (5)
As the swift deer who are destitute of protection, are frightened where there is no danger, and not frightened where there is danger ; (6)
(As) they dread safe places, but do not dread traps; they are bewildered by ignorance and fear, and run hither and thither ; (7)
If they did jump over the noose or pass under it, they would escape from the snare; but the stupid animal does not notice 3 it; (8)
The unhappy animal, being of a weak intellect, runs into the dangerous (place), is caught in the snare, &c., and is killed there; (9)
So some unworthy Sramanas who hold wrong doctrines are afraid of what is free from danger, and are not afraid of real dangers. (10)
The fools dread the preaching of the Law, but
1 To render niyatâniyatam.
? Pâsatiha, usually translated pârsvastha 'outsider,' those who do not acknowledge true arguments; another rendering is pâ sastha held in bondage.'
* Dêhati= pasyati. The form dekkhati occurs in the Prakrit of plays.
