Kavyanushasana Part 2

Author(s): Hemchandracharya, Rasiklal C Parikh, Ramchandra B Athvale
Publisher: Mahavir Jain Vidyalay

Page 51

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friends, acquaintances, relatives, Brāhmaṇas and Ṣramanas, to abstain from taking life and not to be extravagant and not to be hoarding. The fourth describes what was the state of affairs in these matters formerly, what this Beloved of gods has done and what his successor will abide by. The fifth edict has also similar import. The sixth one proclaims his ever - readiness for doing good to the people and his easy approachability to his subjects. The seventh shows that mere giving of money in charity is nothing without self-restraint, purity of heart, feeling of gratitude and firm devotion. The eigth edict tells that formerly kings used to go out for hunting but that now the Beloved of gods travels for dharma,' to pay his respects and give gifts to Brāhmaṇas, Sramaņas and the elders, to see people in villages and discuss matters of 'dharma' with them.
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Kavyanusasana
The ninth edict asks women to abstain from frivolous and meaningless ceremonies, to treat properly their servants, to honour the elders, to behave with restraint towards animals and to give gifts to Brāhmaṇas and Ṣramaņas. Fathers, brothers, and husbands are asked to instruct their women - folk accordingly. The tenth and the eleventh edicts insist upon dharma.
The twelfth edict advises toleration of all sects and respect for all religions. People are asked to practise restraint of speech in praising their sects and finding fault with those of others. This particular edict is the most noteworthy and gives us an idea of the liberal culture of the emperor.
The thirteenth edict which on the Girnar rock is