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CHAPTER EIGHT
and all the assembly, which had never heard such a thing before, was astonished. Saying, “On one hand, our son is Lord of Three Worlds; on the other hand, we are nothing but householders,” the husband and wife got up and paid homage again to the Lord. The Blessed One with such intention delivered a sermon for the benefit of his parents, who had requital of pain, and of the people also.
Sermon (15–18) “Here in existence the relation of creatures--this one is a mother; that one a father; this one a son, et cetera—is produced and destroyed. Everything in worldly existence is like sorcery. Any one with a discriminating mind would not consent to stay in it even for a moment. So long as old age makes this body of ours decrepit, so long as death is not present to cut off life, for so long resort to initiation, the only means of emancipation, the unequaled depository of happiness. Carelessness in this matter is not fitting.”
Devānandā and Rşabhadatta bowed and said: “We are disgusted with dwelling in this worldly existence because of its worthlessness. O living wishing-tree, give us initiation which leads across worldly existence. Who else except you is able to cross and to lead across it?”
Told by the Lord,“ Very well,” they, considering themselves fortunate, went to the north-east and took off ornaments, et cetera. After pulling out their hair in five handfuls from desire for emancipation, circumambulating the Lord, and paying homage to him, they said:
“Master, we, terrified of birth, old age, and death, have resorted to you as a refuge. Please favor us by granting initiation yourself.”
He himself gave them initiation, taught them good practices, and explained the practice of the daily duties to them whose hearts were above reproach. Wherever the good stay even for a day, they confer benefits. How much more the Blessed Lord, the chief of all who remember past
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