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THE INITIATION AND OMNISCIENCE OF AJITA 85 eagerly by Vidyādharakumāras like travelers who had halted; a home being often made for sport in its lofty trees by Khecara-couples like pairs of birds; its ground sandy all over from the arka and kuśa with ankle-deep pollen like divine powdered camphor and musk; the waterbasin at the root of the räjädana, orange, and citron trees being filled with milk by the gardeners; with large garlands of flowers commenced by flower-girls competing with each other in the twining of various wreaths; with people lying, sitting, and eating on adequate plantain leaves 168 from inclination, though there were divine couches, seats, and utensils; its ground kissed by numerous trees whose whole tops were hanging down and bent by the weight of their abundant fruit; with cuckoos intoxicated by eating mango-shoots; filled with noise by parrots excited by eating pomegranates; and with unbroken shade from the dense trees like rain-clouds.
Then the Teacher of the World descended from the jewel of a palanquin to cross existence himself, like a charioteer from a chariot to cross a river. After that, he took off his jewels, ornaments, etc., wishing to put on the three jewels 164 which are won with difficulty even by the gods. The Lord of the World received a spotless devadūșya-cloth brought by Sakra together with equipment to indicate dharma.266 Observing a two days' fast, on the ninth day of the bright half of Māgha, when the moon was in conjunction with the constellation Rohiņi, under a saptacchada tree in the evening Ajita Svāmin himself plucked out his hair entirely in five handfuls, as well as love, etc.166 The Lord of Saudharma received it in the end of his upper garment like an attendant receiving a magnificent object given from favor. Sahasrākşa himself threw the Master's hair in the Ocean of Milk, like a sea
163 251. These leaves are very large and are still used for plates. 164 256. See I, pp. 201 ff.
257. A sādhu's paraphernalia. 166 259. Hate and delusion.
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