Lord Mahavira Vol 01

Author(s): S C Rampuria
Publisher: Jain Vishva Bharati Institute

Page 65

56
Lord Mahâvira
Cast off all attachments, as the leaves of lotus keep aloof even from the autumnal water. Be not careless even for a while. Get not into an uneven path or ye shall repent it afterwards like the weak burden-bearer who went astray. Be not careless even for a while.
Ye have crossed the great ocean: why do ye falter so near the shore? Hurry to get to the other side. Be not careless even for a while.
Of Frailty
Fool is he who is cruel, proud, foul-tongued, deceitful, roguish and careless of his self: like a log, he will be carried down stream by life's current.
Fool is he who, blinded by his passions, fixeth not his thoughts on his progress and welfare but sinketh down through temptation of lust. He will entangle himself like which is caught in the phlegm.
Fool is he who for the sake of pleasures giveth up dharma. He will be stuck in them and will not know his future.
He will suffer like a thief who is ever fearful of suffering for his deeds. He will be able to practise restraint even when death has approached.
'If victory over myself I get not early, I shall get it later'speaketh he who presupposes this life to be eternal. But alas, he cometh to grief when his life drawn to its close and dissolution approaches the body.
Be thou awake, therefore, though others sleep, and like the wise trust none. Remain alert, for moments are treacherous and this body is weak. Like the bharunda be watchful all the while. Transient is the life of man. Therefore, knowing the way of liberation, give up pleasures, for the days ye live are numbered after all.
Frail is this body, impure and of impure origin, a transitory residence and a vessel of suffering.
Transient like the flash of lightning are life and beauty which ye love so much. Will ye not comprehend the next?
Even for a moment I delight not in this body which is vainan abode of distress and disease-and one which can be seized by infirmity and death.