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Shri Mahavir Jain Aradhana Kendra
www.kobatirth.org
Acharya Shri Kailassagarsuri Gyanmandir
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20. SECTION ON ELEPHANTS
297
tusks, the smashing of its mighty ramparts and the tearing away (spoliation) of the juicy (fresh) leaves of trees – where possibly will the elephants go?
1871 That river Revā (Narmadā), those waters (or watering places), those herds of female elephants and that sallaki tree (or creeper)--the memory of all these rankles in the heart of the stately elephant as he is on the point of leaving the Vindhya mountain.
188) Even without the Vindhya mountain (i.e. even when removed from the Vindhya mountain), elephants are held in high esteem (are honoured) in the palaces of kings. And even if many elephants leave the Vindhya mountain, there is no dearth of elephants on it.
189) In the case of all other animals such as bulls (or cows, cattle), tuffaloes and horses, any place is suitable for their residence; but for the wretched (accursed) stately elephants, the only suitable place of resicence is either the Vindhya mountain or a great king's palace.
20. The Section on Elephants 190) Oh lord of the herd, even though your ichor has run dry, your youthful vigour has become a thing of the past and your pestle-like (huge) tusks have become shaky, yet as you continue to live, the forest is proud and happy to own you as its master,
191) Even now the (captive) elephant remembers how he, while taking a pleasure-dip in the lake, was (gently) struck (caressed) with a lotus-stalk, plucked by the cow.elephant with the tip of her trunk.
192) Oh lordly elephant, do not keep brooding on the leaves of sandal trees (which you used to eat in your freedom), accept the mouthful of grass (offered by your keeper). For the lofty-minded accept (put up with) the changes of fate just as they shape themselves (and fall to their lot).
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