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117. 15. ]
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for coronation were brought. viz. a pair of fish; a full jar; white flowers; big lotuses; white mustards; the lump of earth; a bull; a big pot full of curds; big jewels; yellow pigment from the cow; the hide of a lion; a white umbrella; a good seat; chowries; Durva grass; fine wine; a big flag; the rut of an elephant; auspicious silk clothes; and many such other auspicious things. In the meantime, the king thought, “Finishing the coronation of Prince Ananda, I shall go in the vicinity of teacher Dharmaghosa.” Thinking so, he stood waiting for the day of coronation.
[ 117 ] On this side, out of the taint of the actions of the previous birth, Prince Ananda, not minding the opinion of the king, made alliance with Durmati. They planned, “We shall kill the great king by employing some deceit.” He heard the account of coronation. On account of the evil determination, and due to the evil nature of his own mind, quite the contrary effect of the same (account) came upon Ananda. He thought, “ Indeed, I have directed my activity with him ( i. e. Durmati ) to kill him ( i. e. the king ) under this excuse. Then how will I thus deceive him ? Or else, though this account is right, enough of the kingdom which is given to me by him. What is only worthy of praise, is the kingdom taken with force by killing him.” In the meantime, Ananda was called by the king. When he did not desire to come, the king, with one guard, went to the palace of the prince. Thinking 'There is no other opportunity more favourable than this; ' and speaking at once with the influence of the previous birth ‘kill, kill,' he killed the guard and gave a deep wound to the king—wh