Mahanisiha Studies And Edition In Germany

Author(s): Chandrabhal Tripathi
Publisher: Chandrabhal Tripathi

Page 28

Chandrabhal Tripathi
produced in case of an early death. One who hears others studying the panca-mangala should also fast, otherwise he would maltreat the holy knowledge (nāņa-kusila), a backflash to I. At the end āryā vss. 111-122 about the value of study at prescribed periods.
39-47 have been described above along with I.
Chap.IV. No title. Prose, in the narrative, however, there are 14 āryā vss.
1. Sumai and Nāila, two rich brothers and lay worshippers in the city of Kusatthala, are compelled to emigrate because of the loss of their property. On their way they meet five monks and a layman, whom they join. However, Nāila (a follower of Arițțhanemi, the 22nd Tīrthankara, in whose times the story happens) soon realizes that they are in a bad company and he tries to convince Sumai to get themselves separated from them. In the course of a dialogue he depicts with emphasis the blemishable behaviour of their companions. Sumai, on the other hand, is decided to accompany them even if their conduct were punishable. The limitations demanded by Nāila can hardly be fulfilled; he (Sumai) would remain with them provided they would not wander too far off. Hence Nāila wanders alone on his way. Already after five months a draught causes the death of those seven persons. Among them, Sumai will have to lead the largest number of existences. His first rebirth, in a series of many more, is that among the gods (paramahammiya deva) who are most remote from the True Doctrine. Every one who keeps company with the unbelieving has to suffer like Sumai. That he was earlier a believer weighs even more in his case. On the other hand, Nāila, after departing from Sumai, decides a fast-unto-death. Ariţthanemi visits him and initiates him as a monk, Nāila becomes a kevalin and will attain mokşa.
10-. The later existences of Nāila mentioned above are simply enumerated; only one of them attracts special attention. This is the description of the inhabitants of Padisantāvadāyaga, a region south to the delta of the river Sindhu. The beings, who live in 47 caves of the area, are very big, have the best of joints and utterly hard bones. Their appearance is ugly and causing fear, they are cruel and lustful, especially of honey and meat. They, a maritime folk, know how to sail on the waters using special types of vessels. They are envied by the people of Rayaņadiva, an intermediate continent lying