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NISITHA & MAHANISITHA SOTRAS (NISIHA & MAHANISTHA SOYAS) 89
insufficient confessions; intercourse with efficient and inefficient monks; stories of İsara, Rajjā, Lakkhanadevi-khandotthā and devotion to monkhood which can only be wiconditional. Then followed two supplementary chapters: (vii) about penances, and (viii) story of Sujjlasiri and Susadha. These are the contents of the Machinisha. The Gucchüvāra stands in close relation with the Mahnisiha, for it has borrowed almost one-third of its contents from it.
In the Nuhiinisihu we find that he who in his strivings for the highest goal has his thoughts concentrated on his own self, will attain the best success. There are many who practise with a secret dart (sallu), that is, an unconfessed sin in his heart. All their strivings are rendered Dugatory. Only after complete confession is the pursuit of Dharma crowned with success. The reward of truthful confession is kerala knowledge. Mauy muns attain release through (onfession and penance. Physical pain which comes from outside, seems to many to be more easily bearable than asceticism and self-discipline. Even in evil-doer ofte keeps silent tenaciously, although the king would reward his confession.
In the kammu vivāga vägarana, we find is description of sufferings of all beings in this world. Gods suffer in so far as they know that their glory will not last forever. Some do not believe in the salutory result of keeping out the influence of karma. Some creatures suffer misery uninterruptedly and have not a moment of peace. One should not think of women, nor speak to thein, nor live in the same house with them, nor go about in their company. There are also women who are of the highest order. If an ordinary woman fails to get her wished for object, her passion burns. If a woman controls herself, she ultimately attains salvation).
He who avoids intercourse, should abstain himself from possession and injuring beings. The opportunity of being awakened does not come again, if it is inissed. A belated confession is painful but wholesome. Those who know about penances should inform others what they have to do.
In order to consolidate the true knowledge, one can begin only by invoking the deity, and this act of showing respect to the deity consists of the five-fold formula of benefice (Pañcumangala). On an astrologically auspicious day the pious one after preparing himself by means of fasting goes to the sacred site, bends on his knees before the statues (padimā-bimba) of the saints and concentrates his mind on the first of the adoratory forinulas, and on the following days on formulas 2-5. Release will be his rewarı who properly
