Wisdom, Virtues, and Peaceful Departure: From the Sacred Jainism Scripture – Uttaradhyayana, Part 1 of 2

THIRD LECTURE. THE FOUR REQUISITES.

“Four things of paramount value are difficult to obtain here by a living being: human birth, instruction in the Law [of Dharma], belief in it, and energy in self-control.

The universe is peopled by manifold creatures, who are, in this Samsara [the cycle of death and rebirth], born in different families and [backgrounds] for having done various actions. Sometimes they go to the world of the gods, sometimes to the hells, sometimes they become asuras [demigods] in accordance with their actions. Sometimes they become Kshattriyas [aristocrats], or Kandalas and Bukkasas [outcasts], or worms and moths, or (insects called) Kunthu and ants. Thus, living beings of sinful actions, who are born again and again in ever-recurring births, are not disgusted with the Samsara [the cycle of death and rebirth], but they are like champions (never tired of the struggle of life). Living beings bewildered through the influence of their actions, distressed and suffering pains, undergo misery in non-human births. But by the cessation of Karman, perchance, living beings will reach in due time a pure state and be born as men.

And though they be born with a human body, it will be difficult for them to hear the Law [of Dharma], having heard which they will do penances, restrain their passions and abstain from killing living beings. And though, by chance, they may hear the Law [of Dharma], it will be difficult for them to believe in it; many who are shown the right way, stray from it. And though they have heard the Law [of Dharma] and believe in it, it is difficult for them to fulfill it strenuously; many who approve of the religion, do not adopt it. Having been born as a man, having heard the Law [of Dharma], believing in it, and fulfilling it strenuously, an ascetic should restrain himself and shake off sinfulness. The pious obtain purity, and the pure stand firmly in the Law [of Dharma]: (the soul afterwards) reaches the highest Nirvana […].”

FOURTH LECTURE. IMPURITY.

“Wealth will not protect a careless man in this world and the next. Though he had seen the right way, he does not see it, even as one in the dark whose lamp has suddenly been put out.

Though others sleep, be thou awake! Like a wise man, […] always on the alert; for dangerous is the time and weak the body. […]”