ĀTMĀNUŚĀSANA – PRECEPT ON THE SOUL by Ācārya GUṆABHADRA (ca. 818–900 A.D.) [34]
Gātha 32
The extremely mighty Indra, who had Bṛhaspati [note 2] as his advisor, thunderbolt as his weapon, celestial beings as his army, heaven as his fortress, Airāvata [note 3] as his elephant, and Hari as his benefactor, lost battle against the demons (read Rāvaṇa). It is clear, therefore, that own-fate (daiva) is the only protection; self-effort (puruṣārtha) is futile and contemptible.
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Note 3:
Airāvata (or Airāvaṇa) Indra’s Elephant. For the detailed description see
‘Saṁvara [part 2098]’ https://www.facebook.com/groups/692614454130155/permalink/1718877228170534.
Airāvata is also one of the zones where Tīrthaṅkaras exist, see
‘Saṁvara [part 448]’ note 9 https://www.facebook.com/groups/692614454130155/permalink/959715890753342.
Note 2:
Bṛhaspati – the god of wisdom and devotion.
Note 1:
Explanatory note:
In the previous verse (verse 31), the importance of merit (puṇya) was emphasized. The same point-of-view has been strengthened in the present verse. If own-effort (pauruṣa) were the only source of attaining the desired, Indra, with such invincible collaborators, could not have been defeated by Rāvaṇa.
The next verse clarifies that only the laudable own-effort (pauruṣa) has the power to make life worthy for self and for others.