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Christian Lindtner
Jambu-jyoti
XXII. Eight Verses Examining the Purity of Character
1.
One must also understand the purity of character that follows this path (of Jainism]. It is always pleased to attain insight, but in itself it is never selfish.
2.
Desire, hatred, and delusion are the [three main] causes of impurity of a man's character. It must be known that the more they increase, the more will his [impurity of character) actually increase. So, when the impurity of one's character] has thus increased, “purity” is merely an empty word. Being fabricated by the skill of one's personal intellectual constructions, it will be without meaning.
3.
When there is no longer any delusion left over, selfishness will not occur any more. To depend on something that has good qualities, is, of course, a means of preventing such [bad things] from increasing further.
Therefore, the sage who knows the sacred scriptures, has also said that with regard to all actions such as consecration, offerings, etc., [one must certainly perform them) with the hand of a patient ascetic with equanimity.
A person who has not got this cannot even act in an expedient manner. If one does not know the value, etc. of a pure character for oneself and for others—how can one have it?
7.
Therefore, (purity of character as stated] belongs to an advanced and capable student who by nature has a pure mind, a man who can distinguish the [right] places and measures [from the wrong ones), a man who respects virtuous men...
Purity of character, as stated, belongs to a man who acts decently, a man who, by abandoning wrong beliefs without hesitation, is totally devoted to the sacred scriptures.
XXIII. Eight Verses Rejecting Slander of the Doctrine
1.
A (rogue] who, even quite relaxed, is busy slandering the doctrine (of the Jainas] will certainly also cause harm to other living beings, for such [slander) is the cause of wrong belief.
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