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bigh family, human birth, a handsome appearance, a body free from disease, skill in many arts, and a contact with virtuous people. One of these materials can be acquired like an ordiuary thing by innumerable persons baffled by the blows of Karman and wandering in Samsāra. But you have acquired all these niaterials by the predominating influence of qus Punya,-religious merit. These materials are capable of giving the excellent Eternal Happiness of Mokșa as a reward. Just as, the feathered tail of a pea-çock, and the gem in the hood of Seșa Nāga TTT ( name of a serpent supporting the earth and forming the couch of Visņu during his sleep) are yery precious, in the same manner, O worthy sir I accept the Dharma promulgated by the Tirthankaras,-a Dharma which you have not acquired before.”
While experiencing an acute feeling of disguist towards Samsāra on hearing these words of the preceptor, Nayasāra began thinking within himself thus:
" Ah! What an emotion was produced in my mind on seeing for a moment, the Sadhu Mabārājas, who are averse to seeking their own interest; who are a mine of virtues; who are an ocean of mercy, and who have an equal regard for a king as for a beggar. Such ascetics do not even look at such immoral persons. It is, therefore, always proper for me to act according to their injunction." With this idea uppermost in his mind, Nayasera resting his head on the ground, and bowing down before the feet of the Guru, said with his eyes full of tears of joy, “O disinterestedly affectionate magnanimous personages ! Who are exclusively devoted to rescuing all living creatures ! I have now become indifferent to worldly enjoyments; please, therefore, institute Samyaktva in me.” Thereupon, knowing his fitness by the practical morality taught by Jindśvaras, and knowing the important good omens present at the time, such as force of energy, the Guru Mahārāja, saying “You should seriously accept Arhanta Deva as your True God, well-behaved virtuous Sadhus as your Guru, and the Dharma promulgated by the Tirthankaras as the True Dharma," instituted Samyaktva in
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