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DISCOURSE 83
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Kumarpal did not possess courage, he could not have performed pratikraman (atonement) even in the battle-field.
These are the stories of great men. Now, I will narrate to you the story of a young boy who showed tremendous courage. The same boy later became a famous historian.
EVEN A BOY CAN BECOME GREAT
The young boy's name was William Prescott. He was studying in a school. As a student, he was bright. This incident took place one day. The school had recess. The boys were playing. They were throwing biscuits at each other. A biscuit thrown by a boy hit William's eye. His eye was smashed. Sometime later, on account of its effect, even the other eye was affected. Yet, William did not give way to despair. He decided to become a historian though he had lost both his eyes.
He used to get books read by others; and he would concentrate upon what they read. Ten years passed thus. He heard many great books thus read out by others. After spending many years thus acquiring knowledge, he wrote a great work of history. His book entitled, "Ferdinand and Isabella" was published. Though William was blind, he became a great historian on account of his will-power and unfailing endeavours.
You must remember this point. If a man loses the use of any one of his organs like eyes or ears, he does not become completely disabled. If he has a strong will-power, he can achieve whatever he desires to achieve. Even mighty obstacles melt away before a man of heroic determination. The commentator on Dharmabindu says:
'अनुबन्धशून्यानि हि प्रयोजनानि वंन्ध्या :स्त्रिय
इव न किंचिद् गौरवं लभंते, अपितु हीलामेव ।' "Just as a sterile woman is not honoured in samsar, man cannot get honour if he does not keep his three purusharthas namely Dharma, Artha and Kama progressing and flourishing. In fact, such a man has to face dishonour and disgrace”.
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