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Śakra – 'O' Royal Lord of the land ! It is surprising that you
forsake the pleasures that are readily available to you here and hanker after the unavailable, unseen and uncertain pleasures of the afterlife. It seems you are being duped
by useless intentions." Nami – “The worldly pleasures, which you talk about, are like
thorns in the side that constantly rankle. They are like fatal poison or poisonous snake. Even those who cannot enjoy them but only desire them are also condemned to miserable destinies. The anger results in hellish rebirth; pride in lowly rebirths, deceit hinders good destiny and greed results in fear in this life and the one hereafter. ”
After this long dialogue the heavenly king, Sakra, was convinced of the steadfastness of king Nami's detachment from the mundane pleasures and his intense desire to seek the ultimate goal of spiritual emancipation. He shed his disguise and coming into his real divine form, bowed to him and praising the royal ascetic with sweet
and melodious words said - Śakra - 'O' Royal monk ! what a surprise of surprises ! you
have conquered the anger, you have vanquished the pride, you have dispelled guile and you have controlled the greed. Oh! your simplicity is praiseworthy, Oh! your humility is noble, Oh! your forgiveness is graceful, and Oh! your contentment is noble, too. O'Lord! you are noble in this world and you will gain supreme nobility in the world hereafter as well. Shedding all karma-mire,
you shall achieve the ultimate destination of liberation."
Thus, praising Nami venerably, sakra, the king of heavenly gods, devotedly circled around the royal ascetic three times and bowed to him again and again. Thereafter, bowing at his feet, marked with the auspicious marks of conch-shell and elephantgoad, the king of heavens, who wore beautiful and radiant crown
310 : JAINISM: THE CREED FOR ALL TIMES
