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power of rendering protection to people against the ravages of misfortunes. Protection afforded by others, is only complimentary. All living beings show affection towards others out of selfish motives. Only Sādhu Mahārājas have a regard for Salvation. None else except these noble souls, has any regard. You are creating an impediment for your son against his taking the Five Great Vows of ascetic life for your own self-interest. But you are not at all thinking about the terrible agonies that he will have to suffer in hell as a result of evil Karmas, acquired by enjoying worldly pleasures during his wanderings as a vowless individual, in the four gatis, (conditions of life) as a god, as a human being, as a lower animal, or as a denizen of hell-in this world. This woeful union as a mother and her son, has been created innumerable times, but we never had the auspicious occassion of requesting your permission for our taking Bhaga. vati Dikṣā under the guardianship of the lotus-like feet of a Jinésvara Bhagavân. You have now acquired a fit opportunity, why do you not take advantage of the blessed moment? Why do you not at all think that a son born from your own womb is fortunate in renouncing all his worldly belongings and accepting Diksă at the hands of Sramaqa Bhagavâna Mahāvîra-the chief bestower of protection to life? What danger faces your son if he becomes the Lord's disciple ? He will quite easily cross the worldly ocean. What harm is there in it, that you are so sorrow-fully grieved ? Although you are familiar with the Teachings of the Jinéśvaras, how is it that such unclean words come out from your mouth? You have organised great festivals, a number of times, in celebration of marriage-ceremonies of your sons-you are not satisfied with them-then, how is it that you are not willing to celebrate a festival in honour of our Dikså-which is a source of great happiness to you during your life! All these worldly relations are illusive. Therefore, you go home, and satisfy the wishes of your son with a joyful heart, so that, your worldly existence may become very short. I am firmly determined to
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