Philosophies of India

SR No.: 007309
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Heinrich Zimmer, Joseph Campbell
Publisher: Routledge and Kegan Paul Ltd
Publication Year: 1953
Total Pages: 709
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 34 MB

Page 212

PARIVA
was, however, no real spirit of renunciation in this passionate man. He was an example of that archaic type of cruel asceticism-self-centered though directed to lofty ends-which the Jaina ideal of compassion and self-renunciation was intended 10 supersede. With maited locks and a deerskin loinclotlı, full of passion and the darkness of ignorance, storing tremendous cnergies through self-inflicted sufferings, Malīpāla moved from forest to forest, until one day he was in the neighborhood of Benares, practicing a particularly arduous spiritual exercise known as the penance of the “Five Fires.” 15 It was here that he was accidentally encountered by his grandson, the beautiful child of his lovely daughter Vāmā.
The boy came riding on an elephant, surrounded by the playmates with whom he had entered the jungle; and when the lively company broke upon the grim solitude of the passionridden old hermit among the fires, Mahīpāla was beside himself. He cried out to the prince, whom he immediately recognized: "Am I not your mother's father? Was I not born of an illustrious family, and have I not given up all to betake myself to the wilderness? Am I not an anchorite, practicing here the severest possible penances? What a proud little fellow you are, not to greet me with a proper salutation!"
Pārśva and the company halted in amazement.
The old man then got up and scized an ax, which he prepared to bring down on a huge picce of timber-no doubt to work off something of his temper, but ostensibly to cut fuel for his great system of fires. But the boy shouted to make him stop; then explained: “There are dwelling in that log a serpent and his mate: do not murder them for nothing."
Mahīpāla's state of mind was not improved by this peremptory advice. He turned and demanded with searing scorn: “And
16 Four great blazes are kindled close around the penitent, one in each of the four directions, while the heat of the Indian sun (the "fifth fire") throbs down from above.
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