Mahanisiha Studies And Edition In Germany

Author(s): Chandrabhal Tripathi
Publisher: Chandrabhal Tripathi

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MAHĀNISĪHA STUDIES AND EDITION IN GERMANY
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13.3 Schubring, MNSt.A.pp.10-31 Chap.I: Sall'uddharaņa (for this title see vss.50 and 62). A prose introduction and 222 verses, mainly ślokas.
1-6. vss.1-39. Despite firm conviction that all acts (karman) find their result after death, many persons do not work for their salvation. For this one should be clear about one's own human soul; it is difficult to attain human birth in which the dharma is to be performed. He, who is concentrated in his self and wants to achieve the highest aim, will surely be successful. There are many who follow dharma with a secret dart (salla, i.e. not confessed sin) in their heart. All their efforts are, hence, in vain. Keeping silence about commited sins results in worse forms. The unconfessed sin has many forms and stages. Even though it may be very difficult, a monk must refrain from sins. Only after a full confession of sins, all acts of dharma will lead to full success.
7. vss.40-47; 8. prose, 9. vss.48-53, 10. vss.54-64. Activities preparatory to confession. The prayer before the idols (padimão) of the Jinas in a place of worship (ceiya, ceiy’ālaya). An incantation (vijjā) addressed to the Goddess of the Holy Doctrine in a special script. The confession itself and the concluding activities.
11. vss.62-90. The result of a true confession is pure knowledge (kevala-jñāna). The monks who possess it are the kevalin with an appellation from amongst forty adjectives which depict the mental attitude and constitution.
12. vss.91-111. Confession, if it is insufficient because of silence, or performed with special intention or with joylessness, causes further stay in the samsāra. Here special names are attached to the āloyaga for individual cases.
14. vss. 112-144. Numerous nuns (samaņi) attain freedom from samsāra through confession and repentance. As samaņi-kevali they are given appellations like those of the monks (in 11) and their good intentions described.
15-17. vss. 145-160. Confessions not enough in the case of nuns. Hence the results as above (12).
18-19. vss.161-173. Bodily pains coming from outside seem to be more bearable than asceticism and self-control to some persons. They are, therefore, not capable to confess a sin. Also a wrong-doer keeps hard silence even if the king would reward his confession.