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BOOK I, LECTURE 6.
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This mountain is distinguished by (many) names; it has the colour of burnished gold; it is the greatest of all mountains, difficult to ascend on account of its rocks; this excellent mountain is like a part of the earth on fire. (12)
The king of mountains, standing in the centre of the earth, is seen in a pure light like that of the sun. With such beauty shines forth this manycoloured, lovely (mountain), which is crowned with radiance. (13)
Thus is described the glory of mount Sudarsana, the great mountain ; similar to it is the Sramana Gñâtriputra, who is noble, glorious, full of faith, knowledge, and virtue. (14)
As Nishadha 2 is the best of long-stretched mountains, and Rukaka of circular ones, so is he (Mahâvîra) among sages the wisest in the world, according to the declaration of the wise ones. (15)
After having taught the highest Law he practised the highest contemplation», which is the purest of pure, pure without a flaw, thoroughly white (as it were) like mother-of-pearl and the moon. (16)
Having annihilated all his Karman, the great sage by his knowledge, virtue, and faith reached
mentary, Sâlavana, Nandanavana, Saumanasavana, and Pandaka (or Pânduka) vana. The first is at the foot of Mêru, the second 500 yôganas above it, the third 62,000 above the second, and the fourth 36,000 above the last, i. e. at the very top.
i Suddha-lesse = suddhalêsya. Here lê syâ is equal to têgas.
Nishadha and Rukaka are two fabulous chains of mountains situated beyond Gambadvîpa.
3 This is the sukla dhyâna. As sukla, which I translate pure,' originally means 'white,' the comparison with the moon is natural in the original.
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