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point before him. He said,: “Though a young nobleman, you hava entered the Order (Shramana samgha) O,Ascetic; I want to hear you explain this." Nataputta gave a lengthy explanation and so convinced the king that he could not help giving vent to his feelings, thus: “ You have made the best use of human birth, you are a true Jina, Ogreat sage, You are a protector (of mankind at large) and of your relations, for you have entered the path of the best Jinas. You are the protector of all unprotected beings. O Ascetic; I ask you to forgive me; I desire you to enlighten me. That by asking you I have disturbed your meditation and that I invited you to enjoy pleasures, all this you must forgive me. "When the lion of kings had thus, with the greatest devotion praised the lion of the houseless monks, he, together with his wives, servants and relations became a staunch believer in Dharma with a pure mind." (Evam thunittana sa Rayasiho Anagara siha parmai bhattiye.)?
Among the lay followers of Mahavira, Shrenika Bimbisara ranked foremost and he has been credited with putting thousands of questions to Mahavira.”
1. Uttradhyayann-Sutra. 2,"..the literary and legendry traditions of the
Jainas about Srenika are so varied and so well, recorded that they are eloquent witnesses to the high respect with which the Jainas held one of their greatest royal patrons, those historicity fortunately is past all doubts," Janinsm in North Indir pp. 116-118.
