________________
264
THE WAY OF LIFE
factions upon her at the level of practical life. But she would not accept their views in respect of doctrines. The doctrinal statement is this, "Sorrows arise from sins; felicity arises from Dharma". Perplexity from sins, felicity from Dharma. The jivatma experiences sorrow on account of the effect of sinful Karmas; and experiences happiness on account of punya or merit. When in the life of a jiva, the sinful Karma has emerged to the surface, no one can give happiness to such a jiva. In the same manner, no one can cause sorrow to a jiva in whose life, punya or merit has emerged to the surface.
The king was not prepared to accept this doctrine. Mayanasundari was not prepared to dismiss this doctrine as false. She spoke to her father in a smooth and soft manner, "Dear father, if my sinful Karma emerges to the surface, you cannot make me happy. The sorrow and happiness of human beings depend upon their good or evil Karmas. You cannot make anyone happy. You cannot make anyone unhappy". This statement sounded sore and hurtful to the king. The king became indignant. He lost his self-control and he was exasperated.
From the Audience: Is there no doctrine which says that children should consider their parents as benefactors?
Maharajashri There is a doctrine. But it is a formal doctrine. The truth is different from it. All the relationships of Samsar are formal. They are illusory. But those relationships are considered beneficial and useful and acceptable from the point of view of practical life. But if they are considered from the point of view of the Supreme good, they become secondary in importance. The sorrows and joys of the jivatma depend upon his good and evil Karmas.
A NON-RELATIVE TRUTH CANNOT BE A DOCTRINE
This is a point to be understood well. A doctrine is always relative. A doctrine which is not relative is not a doctrine really. The relative aspects of a doctrine should be carefully examined in the manner of carrying out a precise investigation or research. Mayanasundari possessed the right knowledge. She knew very
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
