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OR THE HUNDRED VERSES ON RENUNCIATION 43

are said to be vast because of the amplitude of comment, illustration and argument \vith which their doctrines have been developed. ]

��72. Seeing that, when set all over with the fires of cyclic destruction the stately mountain Meru topples down, the seas which are the abode of numerous sharks and aquatic animals are dried up, and the earth ( itself ) comes to an end, though held firm by the feet of mountains, what to speak of this body as unsteady as the end of the ear of a young elephant.

WCftn^r -According to Hindu mythology the mountains are regarded as the supporters of the earth.

gprTFrrrra*- The cosmic conflagration at the end of the present cycle.

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��73. (In old age) the body becomes shrivelled, the gait becomes unsteady, the

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