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The Fifty-fifth Chapter
145
He entered the house and asked for some water to drink. The Brahmin woman gave him water, and as she did so, tears fell from her eyes. [122] With his soul satisfied by the cool water, he asked her, "Why are you weeping with compassion?" When told this, the Brahmin woman said, [123] "Good sir, your form is like that of a child, and I, along with my husband, had once cast out our own son from the house in our cruelty. [124] If you have wandered in any land and seen him somewhere, please tell me. He was dark like the blue lotus."
Then, wiping his tears, he said, "O mother, cease your weeping. I am your long-lost son who has now returned to you." [126] The Brahmin woman, whose husband's name was Agnimukhya, attained the joy of regaining her son and her breasts began to flow with milk. [127] He was brilliant, handsome, intelligent, versed in various scriptures, and captivating to all women. He was the crown jewel among the cunning. [128] He was always the victor in gambling, extremely clever, a repository of arts, and addicted to sensual pleasures. He thus continued to revel in the city. [129]
In that city of Podanapura, there was a courtesan named Vasantadamara, the best among the courtesans. She was his most desired companion in matters of love. [130] He had freed his parents and other relatives from poverty, and they had attained the status of a king and queen, enjoying all desired objects. [131] His father was resplendent with ornaments like earrings, and his mother was adorned with girdles and other ornaments, always engaged in various activities. [132] One day, this soft-hearted one entered the royal palace of Sasakunama city to commit theft. There he heard the king Nandivarddhana speaking in disgust to the queen. [133] He said, "Today, I have heard the supreme dharma from the feet of my guru Sasakunamukha, which bestows the bliss of liberation." [134] "Alas, these sensual objects are like poison, and their consequences are extremely dreadful. Therefore, I shall embrace initiation and not indulge in sorrow."