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PREVIOUS INCARNATIONS OF ARISTANEMI
a wishing-tree on earth. A meeting with persons like you is hard for us living in a nearby place to attain, like one with shade trees for men in a desert. However, Blessed One, we ask you how this condition arose. If it would not distress you or if it is not a secret, tell us.
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He replied: "I have pain in the highest degree from dwelling in worldly existence. But the pain which originates in the course of wandering has good consequences. I am named Municandra and, joined to a large caravan, I set out formerly on the vihāra. Sādhus can not remain in one place. One day I became separated from the caravan in a forest and then roaming about, confused about directions, I came here. Worn out by hunger and thirst, I fell to the ground in a faint. After that, I had consciousness restored by what you did, illustrious sir. Dharmalābha 14 to you, good sir. Just as I lost consciousness in a moment, so is everything in existence. Then just such dharma must be practised by one seeking happiness.
After telling this, the best of munis, Municandra, explained to him the lay-dharma, suited to him, taught by the Jinas, the root of right-belief. Then he and Dhanavati adopted laydharma, the chief part of right-belief, under Municandra. He led the sage to his house and provided him with food and drink. The muni was persuaded to live in that same place for some time to instruct them in dharma. The muni took leave of Dhana and joined his group again. Dhana and Dhanavati became entirely devoted to lay-dharma. Dhana and Dhanavati shared affection even before; they did so especially from enjoyment of one dharma. Dhana himself was installed on the throne by his father at the time of his death and governed the earth properly in accordance with lay-dharma.
One day a gardener told him that Muni Vasundhara, who had come before, had come to an arbor in the garden. Dhana and Dhanavati went at once, paid homage to him, and listened
May you acquire dharma. " The customary blessing from a
14 121.
sādhu. 2 N
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| SR No. | 001005 |
| Book Title | Trishasti Shalaka Purusa Caritra Part 5 |
| Original Sutra Author | Hemchandracharya |
| Author | Helen M Johnson |
| Publisher | Oriental Research Institute Vadodra |
| Publication Year | 1962 |
| Total Pages | 507 |
| Language | English |
| Classification | Book_English, Mythology, & Story |
| File Size | 11 MB |