Trishasti Shalaka Purusa Caritra Part 2

SR No.: 001002
Original Sutra Author: Hemchandracharya
Author: Helen M Johnson
Publisher: Oriental Research Institute Vadodra
Publication Year: 1937
Total Pages: 438
Language: English
Classification: Book_English, Mythology, & Story
File Size: 9 MB

Page 40

PREVIOUS INCARNATION AS VIMALAVĀHANA
15
initiation which has emancipation as its fruit. When the master reaches a lofty stage, there is a festival on our part. Let the earth be governed by the prince, devoted to severe law, endowed with nobility and valor, like Your Majesty."
Delighted by this approving speech of theirs, the King had the prince summoned quickly by the door-keeper. The prince came, stepping gracefully like a rājahansa, like the god Māra in person. Bowing to the King with devotion, like a mere footman, he sat down in the proper place with his hands joined together. Looking at the prince, as if sprinkling him by a glance full of nectar, the King said joyfully :
"Former kings of our family, free from greed, have protected this earth like a solitary cow in a forest by the practice of compassion. When their sons have become competent to rule, in turn they have loaded the burden of the earth on them like bulls suitable to be yoked. Even when occupied with all of the transient three worlds, they themselves strove for the eternal abode. No one before me remained so long as a householder. Alas ! how great has been my negligence while wedded to life as a householder ! Take this burden of the kingdom. We intend to take the vow. Freed from the burden by you, we shall cross the ocean of existence."
Withering at this speech of the King like a lotus-bud at winter, his lotus-eyes wet with rising tears, the prince said : " Because of what fault of mine, Your Majesty, has this disfavor been shown to me unexpectedly, since you, O master, give this order to me considering myself a footman ? Has some crime been committed by this earth that it is abandoned now like straw by its protector of long standing? O father, I have no use for the kingdom without the revered father. What use has a bee for a pool without lotuses even though it is full ? Alas ! fate is unkind. Alas! I am unfortunate, since my father gives such a command, abandoning me here like a clod of earth. I will not take the earth in any case; and will pay the penalty for the transgression of my elder's command.”