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CHAPTER ONE
of sovereignty with the herb of enlightenment about the Principles, he took initiation at the hands of Rși Vajradatta, his mind set on dharma. Free from worldly connections, he wandered, performing severe penance, enduring the trials, wearing away his body as well as karma. By the sthānas, devotion to the Arhats, et cetera, described in the scriptures, he acquired firm Tirthakrt-body-making karma. Practicing severe penance, engaged in pure meditation, devoted to the four refuges, 5 he died in time and went to the heaven Mabāśukra.
Incarnation as Śreyānsanātha (15–865) Now in this very Jambūdvīpa there is a city named Sinhapura, like a jeweled anklet of the earth, the ornament of Bharatakşetra. The jeweled roofs of its houses, reflecting the stars, have the appearance of a dice-board spotted with dice on it. Clouds resting on the high terraces of its walls look like tilakas of collyrium made for protection of the eyes. A music-festival for the goddess Sri is held continuously in the houses of its rich men in the form of the tinkling of women's beautiful foot-ornaments. When it rains, the streams of its houses carry away jewel-dust and reach an equality with the ocean.
His parents (20-29) Vişņurāja, rich in glory, powerful from strength of arm, mighty as Vişnu, was king there. In him the virtue called 'subduing-the-senses' bore a brilliant heap of virtues, like a seed in the ground bearing a heap of grain. The Śrīs (Glories) and the Bhis (Fears), respectively delighted with him submissive and angry with him hostile, were reduced to the state of svayamvara-wreaths at the sight of him. His power was resplendent with dazzling glory,
8 12. See I, n. 55. + 13. See I, pp. 80 ff.
6 14. Namely: Arhat, siddha, sadhu, and dharma. See the Prakirņaka Catuḥsaraṇa.
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