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**First Study: The Story of Anand**] A wealthy householder, Anand, was highly respected and admired by all.
The wise Sudharma said, "Jambū! In the fourth Āra of the present Avasarpini, at the time when Lord Mahāvīra was present, there was a city called Vāṇijyagrāma. Outside the city, in the north-east direction - the Iśāna corner - was a shrine called Dūtīpālaśa. The king of that place was called Jitasatru. In Vāṇijyagrāma, there lived a wealthy householder named Anand. Anand was a wealthy man, [radiant, brilliant, influential, prosperous, with a magnificent house, luxurious bedding, comfortable seating, carts and vehicles for transporting goods, and an abundance of gold, silver, and coins. He was engaged in the proper use and application of wealth, diligently involved in earning money through business and trade. Even after his meals, there was always plenty of food and drink left over. His house was filled with many servants, maids, cows, bulls, calves, sheep, and goats. He was so powerful that no one dared to disrespect or insult him.
**Discussion**
• The term Gāhāvai [Gāthāpati] in this context is particularly noteworthy. It is used primarily in Jain literature. It is formed by combining the two words Gāhā + Vai. In Prakrit, 'Gāhā' refers to both the Āryā metre and the meaning of 'house'. One meaning is also 'praise'. Due to being worthy of great praise because of wealth, grain, prosperity, and splendor, commentators have used this term for a wealthy, prosperous householder. However, the more appropriate meaning of Gāhā seems to be 'house'.
This passage reveals that agriculture and cattle-raising were considered highly esteemed activities at that time. Wealthy householders embraced them with enthusiasm.
**Splendor**
4. Tass ṇam Ānandass Gāhāvaiss Chaṭṭāri Hiraṇṇa-Koḍīo Nihaṇa-Pauṭṭāo, Chaṭṭāri Hiraṇṇa-Koḍīo Vuḍḍi-Pauṭṭāo; Chaṭṭāri Hiraṇṇa-Koḍīo Pavitthar-Pauṭṭāo, Chaṭṭāri Vaya, Dasagosa-Hassiēṇam Vaēṇam Hotthā.
Anand Gāthāpati had four crore gold coins kept in his treasury, four crore gold coins invested in business, four crore gold coins invested in the splendor of his house, grain, bipeds, quadrupeds, and other resources. He had four herds of cattle. Each herd had ten thousand cows.
**Discussion**
The term Hiraṇṇa [Hiraṇya] used here refers to the gold coins that were in circulation at that time. The use of gold coins in this country dates back to ancient times. Lord