Prasamrati Prakarana

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

Page 55

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Praśamarati
this thoroughly, when misfortune befalls one should not be sad and depressed; and when fortune is one's lot one should not rejoice.
90. The Sādhus receive alms only when the giver (a house-holder) so desires and is well off enough to put his wishes into practice as mentioned above. Further, however, large, good, useful, and beneficial, these alms may be, they are none the less going to last for a short time. Thus, the best of Sadhus do not take pride in them.
91 and 92. The knowledge and the intelligence of the Great men of the past was truly phenomenal - this was, in their ability to receive well the new teachings daily, in their wondrous methods of explaining the teachings daily to the various disciples, so that they were able to understand these intricate teachings with ease; in their skill in composing new works (Granthas) that promote Vairāgya (i.e. teachings which reflect true non-attachment) and understanding of various religious topics; in their profound ability to meditate deeply on the subject of the Atman and the various religious topics and aspects; and in their quick grasp of the meaning of the Sūtras, wherein they remembered what was taught at the first attempt.
These various facets of intelligence can vary infinitely from person to person, and in the Great men of the past - who are compared to a lion because of their ability to withstand the extreme tribulations of the ascetic life - they were infinite times better than our own. Hearing this (comparison), how can one take pride in our own intelligence ?
93 and 94. Thinking that others have been of use or shall be of use to oneself, one behaves like a beggar - constantly supplicating and ingratiating oneself in front of others. As a result of this one receives some cheap affection and consideration and