________________
115
was effulgent with the grandeur of devout righteousness, a group of enraged mendicants paid 500 coins to a well-equipped man and sent him to kill of the preceptor. As the malevolent man prepared himself to perform the sinful act, in the moonside-light, he saw the ācārya trying to avoid the Insects even while changing the side during his sleep Instantly he learnt how compassionate the Sūri was towards the insignificant insects even in sleep, and was forthwith perplexed as to the consequences of such a great crime. He immediately lay prostrate at the feet of the preceptor, and telling him the whole tale, he very humbly begged his pardon The Guru, on his part, instructed him in such a fascinating speech that, they say, the man took to initiation there-after.
The Sūri, being maine of knowledge and renunciation, was honoured much even in other Gacchas. It is specifically stated in the Gurugunaratnākara that wise men of other Gacchas rejoiced at hearing about Śri Somasundara Sūris virtues, and that relating to him through letters, evils done by themselves, they, though staying at a very long distance, gladly performed all expiatory rites directed by the revered one.
No sooner did he become the Pattadhara than the sori began to take due care of the Claccha. Like a dexterous general, he took immediate steps against feigned and impotent ascetics. In order to lessen house-dwelling and abolish the day-by+day increasing evils, he prepared some rules after a long reflection.com especially for the monks who were distracted in mind, and commanded those concerned to obey the same. These rules, known as Sådhu Maryadakattaka, as under :
साधु मर्यादक पदक. Sadhu Maryadaka Pataka.
Rules of Conduct for Sadhus. 1. Every Sadhu should commit to memory at least five now
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org