________________
19
The idea of abhorence to worldly pleasures becoming uppermost in his mind, Visvabhūti began to think tbus :-" In what different ways are not people subservient to worldly enjoyments, defeated ? Or, in what different enterprises, are they not engaged? Or, who are not unexpectedly overpowered by severe calamities full of numerous misfortunes, as if by Indra's thunder-bolt? What light-hearted mean man, though himself censured by wise men and entirely without decorum, will not behave imprudently towards people who are devoutly attached to sensual pleasures ? That is say, even such a despicable man will not remain contented without showing disrespect towards them. Besides, gazte-eyed women are certainly an unimpeded source of sensual pleasures. Why did the Sinful Fate create the female • sex? If a man becomes indifferent to the female sex, he will never see the pangs of miseries even in a dream The indiscrete Fate has created a big mecbanism in the form of a woman which is like a halter for elephants, like a anare in the form of a light bondage for deer, like a cage for birds, like the tip of the flame of a lamp for butterfiles, and which is like a fish-net for people who are desirous of enjoying the pleasures of the senses at their free will. But what will even the perfumed smell of fresh flowers abounding with the fragrance of fresh frost Mālatî (Jasminum Grandiflorum) fragrant white flowers which open towards evening Jasminum Grandiflorum) do to a man who has no place for gazelle-eyed women in his mind! Even the wind of Azure Malayācala, (the Malayācala mountain range,) which is disturbing the whole world and which is capable of violently arousing lust, will not disturb the people whose minds have become estranged from women. The Moon-light bright with the beams of the Autumaal Moon, will not produce the slightest disorder in people who are skilful in crushing the strength of the God of Love. My vision of discrimination, has become occluded by the darkness of youth, alas, why did I-a wickedhearted man--remain uselessly as a house-holder for a long time? Or, why should I uselessly repent for what has elapsed? However, even now, nothing has been spoiled. Therefore, let me be ready for religious duties.”
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
