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The Story of Muladeva
Chapter Two of the Yoga Shastra, Verse 72: And then, with the same respect he showed his own mind, he took her to his vast royal palace. Now Devadatta began to live there. With Devadatta, Muladeva's days passed like silver and his nights like gold, filled with enjoyment. Meanwhile, the king, upholding the dharma of wealth and desire, and devoted to the Jinas, ruled his kingdom happily, caring for his people.
Meanwhile, a steadfast merchant, laden with goods fit for purchase from the land of Parsakul, was returning, like a cloud full of water. By chance, he reached the city of Venatat. He set up camp in the city and, in a tray, filled it with precious diamonds, emeralds, rubies, pearls, coral, gems, and jewels, to present to King Vikramraja. The king recognized Achal as soon as he saw him. A clever man, like someone remembering a past life connection, instantly recognizes another. But Achal could not recognize Muladeva in his kingly guise. Truly, even a clown, when disguised, cannot be recognized by the simple-minded.
After skillful questioning, the king asked the merchant, "Tell me, sir, where do you come from, and why? Who are you? What goods have you brought with you?" He replied, "O King, we come from Parsakul. We have brought goods from foreign lands to sell. Please grant me permission to show them to you." Out of curiosity, the king said, "Very well, I will come myself to see them." The merchant said, "If you would grace my humble dwelling, it would be a great honor." Who can understand the anger and joy of great men? The king went with the merchant to his camp. He opened all his goods, showing the king the jagat of madder, cloth, thread, and other goods he had brought. The king, seeing the goods, asked, "Is this all the goods you have?" "Yes, O compassionate one, this is all. Tell the truth, if there is more, you will be severely punished." The merchant said, "I speak the truth, this is all the goods I have." The king, repeating his words, said, "Look, tell me carefully. In our kingdom, those who cheat on taxes are given severe physical punishment." Achal said, "O compassionate one, we do not lie in front of others, so how could we lie in front of you?" Hearing this, the king said to his tax collector, "Take half the tax from this truthful merchant and search his goods thoroughly." At the king's command, the tax collectors, kicking the bamboo, lowered it inside and searched. They suspected some precious goods hidden among the ordinary goods. Suspecting this, the royal officials quickly searched the surrounding places where the goods were kept. They suspected both the merchant's goods and his wealth. Officials always reach the bottom of people's hearts and cities. Therefore, those officials were angry with the merchant, scolded him, and arrested him, accusing him of tax evasion. If even the king's vassals are arrested at the king's command, what could this merchant do? The royal officials presented him to the king in the royal palace, but the king released him from his bonds. Then the king took him aside in the palace and asked, "Do you recognize me? Who am I?" Achal said, "Who would be so foolish as not to recognize the sun that illuminates the world, and you?" "Stop flattering me, tell me the truth, do you know me or not?" Thus, at the king's insistence, Achal said, "O Lord, I do not know you." At this, the king called Devadatta and pointed her out to Achal. A person considers himself fulfilled when he sees his beloved ones, for it brings peace of mind to the proud. Seeing Devadatta, Achal was immediately ashamed and felt great sorrow in his heart, for the pain of being humiliated in front of a woman is more painful than death. Devadatta said to Achal, "This is the same Muladeva whom you wronged and who also caused me to suffer. By the grace of God, you are now in trouble. Your life is in danger. Yet, O noble son, he will forgive you. Such great men do not pay attention to trivial matters. They do not stoop to such lowliness as revenge." Hearing this, the merchant immediately fell at the feet of both the king and Devadatta, saying, "Please forgive all the offenses I committed at that time. In connection with that same offense, King Jitashatru of Ujjayini is angry with me. Will he also allow me to enter Ujjayini at your word?" Muladeva said, "Since Devadatta has shown you such kindness, I also forgive you.