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260
SÛTRAKRITÂNGA.
seeking the Law, earnest in the performance of austerities, possessing the Guptis, being accomplished, one should always exert oneself, intent on the soul's benefit, and desiring the highest good (viz. liberation). (15)
The fool thinks that his wealth, cattle, and relations will save him ; they him, or he them. But they are no help, no protection. (16)
When calamity befalls him, or the end of his life draws near, he must go and come alone; the wise believe that there is nothing to protect him. (17)
All living beings owe their present form of existence to their own Karman ; timid, wicked, suffering latent misery, they err about in the Circle of Births), subject to birth, old age, and death. (18)
He should know that the present time is the best opportunity to mend, and that an awakening is difficult to obtain. A wise man should be aware of this ?. The (first) Gina 2 has said this, and so the remaining ones (will) say it. (19)
Oye monks, the virtuous (Ginas) that have been and will be, the followers of the Law of Kâsyapa 3, they all have commended these virtues. (20)
Do not kill living beings in the threefold way“, being intent on your spiritual welfare and abstaining from sins. In this way numberless men have reached
1 A various reading mentioned in the commentary is a hiyâsaê, he should bear (all troubles).'
? The whole lecture is put by the commentators in the mouth of Rishabha.
& The first and last Tirthakaras belonged to the Kâsyapa Gôtra.
* I. e. by your own acts, by order, and by assent; or by thoughts, words, and acts.
