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63
ŚREYANSANATHACARITRA
enemies, like a fish in little water. Recalling the blissbestowing speech of Master Śreyānsa, meditating on the worthlessness of samsara, averted from sense-objects, Bala went one day to Acarya Dharmaghoşa, after delaying some days at the importunity of his people. Bala heard a sermon from him in accordance with the Arhat's speech and from it became all the more disgusted with existence. Pureminded, he took initiation at his feet at once. The noble proceed to actions, when they know for certain. Observing completely the mula- and uttara-gunas,88 virtuous, preserving serenity in all circumstances, enduring trials, unhindered like the wind, his gaze fixed on one object like a snake, he wandered for some time in villages, mines, cities, et cetera. When he had lived eighty-five lacs of years, his mind and conduct inherently pure, after he had destroyed all the karmas, Acala attained an abode in the place of emancipation.
88 906. See I, n. 19.
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