________________
277
Thinking this to be the proper time for Vajra's rising prosperity, Guru-Mahārāja imparted to him a knowledge of almost all the sciences. Then, he to'd him to go to Bhadragupta Sūri into the City of Avanti, and learn Dasapūrva; because there was no other scholar who could compete with him in that subject. Vajra Swami carried out his revered teacher's order and started for Ujjayini. When he reached it, it was night time So he passed that might outside the city. On the other side, Bhadragupta Sūrı on thai very night, got a dream that somebody took away the pot of milk from his hands, and was overpleased by drinking it. Early in the morning, when he was telling to his pupils about the dream, Vajra Swami appeared. After bowing down politely, he told him the reason of hus coming there. Bhadragupta Sūri also could mark him to be the most able person, he imparted to him all the knowledge he possessed, and after the sudies were over, he sent him back to his Guru, who, then, offered hin the seat of Acārya' and handed over to him the management of the whole Gaċcha.
Once, while travelling, Vajra Swāmi came to Pāšaliputra, stayed in a garden, and he, assuming a deformed appearance, gave the people a sermon People began to remark that the Sädhu's physical appearance was not at all in keeping with his sermon. But on the next day, he appeared in his natural handsome form and preached them The people were struck with wonder Hearing from the Sadhvis about his awe inspring pe. rsonality and extraordinary prowess, Rukınınī, the daughter of Dhana Srésthi of that city, became affected and told his father that she would not marry anybody else excepi Vajra Swāmı; she would better prefer death to marrying anyone. Hence, Dhanaśéreśthi approched Vajra Swami and requested lum to accept Rukmini, and added, "I shall offer you ten millions of jewels in dowry So, please, be kind to consider my kind request !" Vajra Swāmi replied, “ Sreślhi! You seem to be a simple-hearted man l As you yourself are numersed in the ocean of the worldly pleasures, you want others to follow you! But bear in mind, that all those pleasures are volatile and transi
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org