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PADMAPRABHACARITRA
299
acts in a human-birth-the receptacle of the three jewels, knowledge, faith, and conduct—are like wine in a golden dish. When a human birth has been won with difficulty by people in the ocean of existence, like the union of the yoke pin and the yoke, alas ! it is lost like a jewel. When a human birth, which is the means of attaining heaven and emancipation has been gained, alas! people occupy themselves with actions that are the means of attaining hell. When a human birth, which is earnestly hoped for even by the gods in Anuttara,943 has been achieved by wicked people, it is joined to wicked acts. Pain in hell is known indirectly (parokşa); pain in human birth is known directly (pratyakşa). Its manifestation has been described. What is the use of amplification ?
Gods (148–175) The empire of pain is present even among the gods, their wits destroyed by sorrow, anger, dejection, jealousy, misery, etc. When they see the great splendor of another, the gods grieve for a long time over life in another birth in which little good was performed. Or they are tormented constantly by the sharp arrow of envy, unable to counteract it by another powerful one, for a long time. When they have seen more and more glory, the gods are depressed at the thought,' We did no good deeds, so we are servants.' Seeing the palaces, women, jewels, gardens, and wealth of others, so long as they live they are burned by the flames of blazing jealousy. Poor people, their wealth consumed by others, say in a choking voice, 'O husband, o lord, O god, be gracious.
Even when heaven has been attained by merit, the gods, those who inspire love, etc., filled with love, anger, and fear, do not enjoy their state. When they have noticed
48 146. See above, p: 124. Emancipation can be reached only from a human birth. Gods must be born again as mortals.
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