Prasamrati Prakarana

Author(s): Umaswati, Umaswami, Mahesh Bhogilal, V M Kulkarni
Publisher: Nita M Bhogilal & Others

Page 45

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Praśamarati
Dharma is not as per one's resolutions, and the capacity to put in this effort is also not everlasting. Thus having been blessed with these, I must, in all ways, put in ceasless effort in beneficial things”.
66. In this world without knowledge of the scriptures, one cannot reach the ultimate good; and without true humility, one cannot gather the knowledge of scriptures. Thus, he who wishes to understand the deep meaning of the sacred words, must always be humble.
67. The wealth of man consisting of being born with the silver spoon in one's mouth or in revered families, and of having beauty, good speech, youth, wealth, friends and all other glories, is not befitting, if it is bereft of humility and peace of mind (bom out of non-attachment to these things) - just as, a river-bed has no beauty in it, if it is bereft of water (because, then, there is the absence of flowering shrubs, trees and greenery and the sweet music of various colourful birds). Indeed, it looks ugly and uninviting.
68. The man garbed in the most beautiful and the richest of clothes, is not as pleasing as the man who has adorned himself with garments of knowledge, of true character, and discipline, provided these are also adorned by the quality of humility, which is truly well achieved, (Because such a humility only, is the fundamental test of the achievements of knowledge, discipline and true character).
69, 70, 71. The teaching of the Sāstras depends upon the Guru. Thus he who desires his own betterment, should always be ready to be of service to the Guru. Only he who has done great good in the past, and who, through knowledge of humility has totally won over his Guru, is fortunate to hear the streams of pious words from his Guru's own mouth. The mouth of a Guru is like the