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MAHAVIRA'S BIRTH AND MENDICANCY
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zeal of yours! For acquiring a wife, et cetera is the cause of wandering in existence. I am not a mendicant at this very moment, though eager to be, because of my resolution, While my parents live, they shall not suffer from separation from
me.'
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When the Lord had spoken thus in regard to marriage, Queen Triśalā herself went there at the king's command. The Lord of the World rose to greet his mother with respect and, after he had seated her on a high jeweled lion-throne, he said:
"I am happy that you have come, mother! What is the reason for your coming? If you had sent for me, I would have gone at once at your command. "
Queen Triśalā said: "You came to our house (by birth) because of our no small merit, the cause of much prosperity. People are not sated with seeing you; how much less are we, niggardly with the wealth of the sight of you! We have always known this: It is from compassion for us that you remain here as a householder, though you are disgusted with worldly existence. You did this difficult thing against your own wishes. (But) we are not satisfied by so much, house of reverence. As we see you today suitable for a bride, act accordingly. Marry the princess, named Yasoda, who has come. Your father, too, is very eager for the sight of your marriage-festival. Do that, even though difficult, out of regard for us.
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The Blessed One thought: Now what has happened to me ! On the one hand, my mother very persistent; on the other hand, fear of wandering through births. Even while I was in the womb, I kept my body motionless from fear of paining my mother. I shall stay in the condition of a householder in opposition to (my own) wishes. There is karma which has pleasure as its fruit; my parents are to be honored. With these reflections, the Blessed One consented to his mother's command.
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Queen Triśalā herself went to King Siddhartha and, delighted, reported their son's consent to marry. On an auspicious day the king celebrated the marriage of Mahavira
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