________________
256
THE AFFLIOTIONS
of a high seat and so on by anyone. Misbelievers, on the other hand, worship and honour even such a person who knows very little as if he were an omniscient and thus proclaim their religion. It is said in the scriptures that devas worship the ascetio who performs great austerities. If this be true, why is it I am not reverenced?' The monk who avoids such thoughts overcomes the affliction caused by the absence of reverence and honour. (19)
'I am highly learned and well-versed in all branches of scriptural knowledge and proficient in grammar, logic and spiritual science. Other learned men are insignificant and do not shine before me, like the light of the fire-fly before the sun.' The ascetic who is free from such pride in his learning overcomes the affliction of high intellect. (20)
'I put up with such contemptuous remarks as these-- he is dull and ignorant like an animal. Though I perform severe austerities and am free from negligence, still I do not acquire excellence in knowledge.' The monk who avoids such thoughts overcomes the affliction caused by ignorance. (21)
'My heart is pure with the attitude of supreme detachment. I am well-versed in the true knowledge of all the categories. I worship the great ones, the Arhat, the Temple, the Saint and the Religion. Still I have not attained remarkable knowledge, though I have been an ascetic for a pretty long time. It is said in scriptures that long fasting begets great things such as miraculous powers. But it does not appear to be true. So asceticism is useless. It is useless to observe vows.' The ascetic who does not think in this manner out of pure right belief conquers the affliction of disbelief. (22)
The ascetic, who endures these afflictions without evil thoughts, attains great stoppage of karmas, as influx caused by attachment and a version is obstructed.
Do all these afflictions occur to the saints who endeavour to pass over the great and dense forest of transmigration, or is there any peculiarity? These afflictions explained now such as hunger occur differently according to the stages of conduct. But in the two following cases this should be known definitely.
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
