________________
A beginner should restrict himself only to the first two types of narratives. He should not touch any topic concerned with philosophy. If a person of immature knowledge embarks upon philosophical discussion, he may fail to solve the intricate problems that may arise, and consequently would land himself upon untoward situation. The second step is the discrimination about the locality. The preacher should know the nature of the philosophy that prevails in the locality, before embarking upon religious discourses through deductive narratives. Otherwise there may arise unnecessary disputes ending in undesirable consequences. The third step is the discrimination about the time. The religious sermon should be delivered with due regard to the occasion. The fourth step is the discrimination about the inclination and attitude of the audience. This is directly stated in the Sūtra that follows2.177 ke yam purise? kam ca ņae? The preacher should know the person whom he preaches and also the doctrine the latter believes in. Bhäșyam Sūtra 177 In connection with religious discourses, a due estimate should be made about the nature of the listener as to whether he is fortunate or unfortunate. whether he is of mild or harsh nature, whether he is a man of faith or inclined to rational argumentation, whether he is inquisitive or prone to disputes. Moreover, the inclination of the person regarding the philosophy or the philosopher he is devoted to or convinced of should be ascertained. 2.178 esa vire pasamsie, je baddhe padimoyae. Praiseworthy indeed is the hero who redeems those who are bound by karma. Bháșyam Sutra 178 The monk who delivers religious discourses in the above manner and redeems people from karmic bondage is indeed worthy of being extolled as the best36 among the religious preachers. People indeed are bound by their predispositions, past karmas, and impressions created thereby, and possessiveness. The aforesaid religious preacher devoid of the power of
72 C
-
IME 5 31 127
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
