Trishasti Shalaka Purusa Caritra Part 1

Author(s): Hemchandracharya, Helen M Johnson
Publisher: Oriental Research Institute Vadodra

Page 109

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He thought, “His love for Priyadarśanā is suitable. For friendship between the lotus and king-goose is suitable. This magnanimous act which was performed at that time is not suitable. For heroism must not be shown by a merchant, even though he is heroic. Moreover, as he is honest, his association with Aśokadatta who is deceitful is certainly not a good thing, resembling that of a plantain tree with a jujube." 127 Reflecting thus for a long time, the merchant sent for Sāgara, and began to admonish him in a conciliatory way, as an elephant-driver would a bhadra-elephant.128 “O son, you are conversant with the customs of all the śāstras, and with business affairs. Still, I shall give you some advice. For we merchants, son, living by skill in our art, unassuming, being well-dressed, are not criticized. Even in youth you must conceal your power. Merchants, even in matters common to everyone, act with apprehension. Wealth, indulgence in pleasure, generosity which must certainly be concealed, are sufficient for our renown, just as the body is sufficient (adornment) for young women. Action which is not suitable to one's birth has a bad appearance, like a gold ornament fastened on a camel's foot. Then time must be given to wealth, as constituting virtue, by those devoted to business and to suitability for their own station, son. Association with the wicked by those who are honest
127 31. The plantain tree is very delicate and the jujube very thorny.
128 32. “The elephant is of four kinds according to its race; either a Bhadra (propitious), Mandra (pleasing), Mrga (deer), or a Miśra (mixed). The elephant which has honey-coloured teeth, is strong, well-proportioned, has a globular shape, good head and excellent limbs, is always known as a Bhadra.—The height of a Bhadra is 7 cubits (hasta), its length 8 cubits, the circumference of its belly should always be 10 cubits.” Oppert, Sukraniti, 4. 7. 34-35, 40. In Abhi. 4. 284, Hem. gives manda (instead of mandra), 'mandasattvāt.'