Trishasti Shalaka Purusa Caritra Part 6

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

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CHAPTER EIGHT
the destroyer of all pain.' With this thought he went there and did not see the Lord Jina. He, slow-witted like a monkey, with disgust with existence filled with delusion, took initiation at the gaṇadhara's side.
When, the Jina having attained emancipation, the gaṇabhṛt, seated in the assembly, recited the texts and interpretations pronounced by the Jina, then there was conversation to this effect, Whoever destroys even one earth-jiva, he is considered without self-control in the teaching of the Lord Jina."
Iśvara thought: Jivas of the earth-category are crushed everywhere. Who is able to protect them? This incredible speech only shows his insignificance. After hearing that, who would follow the teaching of one like a crazy man? Without this, if he teaches some moderate asceticism, then surely all the people are pleased. However, if I do not follow it, saying, Oh! Oh! I am killed," why would not the people follow? For that was said by the omniscients. Now I must accept atonement for falsifying the teaching of the Arhat.' With this thought he went to the self-enlightened muni. In his exposition of dharma also he heard that the muni must avoid injury to earth-bodies, et cetera in three ways.
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Isvara thought: Who would not injure them? For instance, he sits on the ground, he eats food cooked by fire, he drinks water. He, speaking inaccurately, says what is contradictory in itself. The gaṇadhara would be better. However, his speech is contradictory, also. So enough of both of them. myself shall teach a dharma which people who are not disgusted with the world will follow in perfect comfort.'
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While he was reflecting thus, lightning fell from the sky on his head. He died and was born as a hell-inhabitant in the seventh hell. After experiencing there for a long time pain that arose from the sin of hostility to right-belief in the teaching (of the Jina) when it was heard, he became a fish in the ocean here. Again he went to the seventh hell and,