King Pradeshi

Page 14

Vol. 11/No. 4. Eternal Wisdom there is a filthy aroma above the world of humans which rises to a height of four to five hundred Yojanas [1. Yojana (aha) is approximately equal to 4200 miles (Pooola Kosas )] and this is one more reason as to why the Dewas do not come to this world (as they do not like such filth)." Shri Keshi Ganadhara continued: "At times of conception ( 372 ), birth, initiation into the life of a Sadhu ( PEETT), reaching Omniscience (95517 ) and the final Liberation ( Aten) of the Tirthankaras (See Vol. II/ No. 2 for the meaning of this ) and by being attracted by the unparralled good destiny, virtue (goo ) and greatness of the Tirthankaras, the Dewas come to this world of humans. They also come here by being attracted to the great penances (79) of ascetics or to the impeccable devotion of other holy souls; but they do not visit for any other reason. So your mother, who is thoroughly absorbed in the pleasures of heaven, because there is no great Dharma in you and because of the paucity of your goodness and virtue (goz ), she may well not have come to you. Because of this to * conclude that there is no heaven is worng. O King, the indisputable truth is that there is heaven and one can reach it by being good and virtuous ( que ).". "Now let us ponder over your statement that your father has not come to see from hell. Imagine that there is a rich man in your kingdom. He takes care of his family members in an exemplary way and so is quite happyBut he has some vices and because of which he commits a theft, but in so doing he is caught. The sepoys tie him up and are about to bring him to you. At that time his family members come and tell him: "Please come back soon and as usual take care of us." But when the rich man is brought to you as an ordinary criminal, you sentence him to imprisonment for life. Thus the rich man does not go back and meet his dear ones. Similarly, inspite of the fact that your father dearly loved you, by