________________
285
as he is under the influence of Karmas. As long as, one, becoming well-versed in the Teachings of the Jinésvaras, does not destroy his Mohaniya (Infatuating ) Karma, how can he possibly have Perfect Happiness ? This visible happiness is like a dish of delicious sweet-meats offered to a thief, who is doomed to be hanged to death. Just as a thief doomed to death, does not relish highly delicious sweet meats, over-powered as he is by the terror of imminent death, in the same manner, one, who knows the miseries of hell and nigoda to be the bitter consequences of momentary pleasures of senses, through his hearing of jaina Scriptures, has no relish for worldly pleasures; but to him, they become immediate causes of indifference to worldly objects. Just as, there is watering in the mouth on seeing a delicious object for one who is passionately fond of tasteful substances, in the same way, there is a shedding of tears from the eyes of persons who are indifferent to worldly objects on thinking about the disastrous consequences of evil Karmas.
Un listening to the most excellent and nighly illuminating preaching of Sramana Bhagavāna Mahavira, the aversion of Šalibhadra Śépha towards worldly enjoyments began to increase. Having respectfully bowed down at the feet of Śramaņa Bhagavān Mahavira, he quickly returned home, and having got down from his palanquin, he immediately went to his mother and with a low bow he told her:-"Mother! To-day I had gone to give my respects to Sramana Bhagavāna Mahāvira Swami. I heard his preaching, and I liked it. Bhadrā Mātā said:- Darling! You are fortunate. You have done meritorious deeds. You have done well that you went to do obeisance to the Venerable Bhagavān. " Then. Salibhadra requesting his mother for permission of his Bhagavati Dikṣā and explaining his reasons for his renouncing the world, said:- "Mother ! On hearing the preaching of Sramana Bhagavāna Mahavira, my delusion of endless worldly existences has disappeared. I have known the
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org