________________
-716]
81. SECTION ON CENSURE OF LOTUSES
375
others, like the filaments of cotton, then in this entire world, what comparisons could be made in your case? (i. e. you would be incomparable or matchless).
81. The Section on the Censure of Lotuses
711) Oh lotus, since you, blooming at the humming of the bees, have been seized by the royal flamingos, therefore, in the fullness of time, no good fruit will be yours (no happiness will come to you). [Hidden sense : Since you, blooming at the falsehoods uttered by others, have been patronized by swan-like (pleasureseeking) kings, therefore in the fullness of time, no good fruit will be yours (no happiness will come to you)].
712) You do not know yourself, nor others. Surely you are possessed of filaments (fibres) (also virtues) and are attended (occupied by the Goddess of wealth.*
713) 1f (you say that) those who are favoured by wealth (fortune), do not become supercilious (stiff and arrogant), then see how these lotuses do not deign to look at the stalks, by which they were supported and raised aloft.
714) Oh you lotus, if you whose face is turned upwards by reason of your being the ab ode of Lakṣmi (Goddess of wealth), are averse even to the stalk which is possessed of fibres (also good qualities) and which is always attached (to you), then (tell us) to whom are you amicably inclined (disposed) ?
715) Oh lotus, your seed-cup has been nourished at the cost of dried up leaves. Let alone the state of being the abode of Laksmi, you will even lose your name as a lotus.
716) The sun is the friend of the (day-) lotus; it is encircled on all sides by leaves and it is the abode of Lakṣmi. But if it is devoid of water, no body can support it even for a moment [Hidden sense: A man may have a brave (valiant) friend, he be surrounded on all sides by worthy persons as his retinue, and he may be the abode of wealth. But if he is devoid of status (i. e. if he falls down from his lofty position), no body can support him].
may
The sense of the second half of the Gatha is obscure.
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
