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THE WAY OF LIFE
spiritual austerities if you carry them out according to prescriptions. Your regard for Dharma will increase; and the firmness of your mind also will increase.
Aryarakshit acted in comformity with the principles and codes of conduct which he saw Daddar observing; but he did not observe the principle or rule which Daddar did not obscrve and which was not necessary in the case of Daddar; but which was essential in his own case. IT IS ESSENTIAL TO SALUTE EVEN THE SHRAVAKS IN THE UPASHRAY
After saluting all the sadhus one must salute also the shravaks if there are any shravaks in the Upashray. When Daddar entered the Upashray, there were no shravaks; so he did not have to salute Shravaks. But when Aryarakshit went in, there was Daddar Shravak. But Aryarakshit being ignorant of the principle, did not salute him. Therefore, the Acharyadev thought, "He is a new Shravak". The Acharya asked him in a sweet voice :
"Dear son ! From whom did you learn the principles of Dharma ?”
Aryarakshit pointed his finger towards Daddar; and said, "From that noble man”.
A Muni came near the Acharyadev and said, "Revered Gurumaharaj! This young man is Aryarakshit, the son of the Court-priest. This is the young man whom the King received with great honour yesterday. He is the elder son of Rudrasoma, the noble shrovika. He is a treasure-house of all lofty virtues. He has mastered the four Vedas. I do not know the purpose with which he has come here; but I know him surely”.
At once, Aryarakshit said, "Gurudev ! My mother has sent me to you, saying; "you approach the Jain Acharya, Thosaliputra. He is a great man; and he is an enlightened sage. He will teach you Drishtivad”. Therefore, I have come to study Drishtivad, at your feet.”
The Acharya thought about Aryarakshit. “He is high-born.
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