Kathakoca or Treasury of Stories

SR No.: 016059
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: C H Tawney
Publisher: Oriental Books Reprint Corporation New Delhi
Publication Year: 1975
Total Pages: 288
Language: English
Classification: Dictionary & Dictionary
File Size: 15 MB

Page 96

70
While he was intently reflecting upon this, there arose in his mind the recollection of his former birth. Then he saw that it was the fruit of offering a candle; so he practised religion with increased zeal. This is the story of Dípaçikha, having ceference to worship by means of a candle.
· By giving a gift in common there results to many a common ad
vantage, And in this case the highest fruit is a state of happiness, like that
of Kuruchandra. In illustration of this there follows the story of
Kuruchandra, having STORY OF KURUCHANDRA AND HIS FRIENDS
s reference to giving. VASANTADEVA AND KAMAPÁLA.
In Jambudvípa, in this very land of Bharata, there is a city named Gajapura. In it there was a king named Kuruchandra. Now, once on a time the revered Çantinátha arrived in the garden of Gajapura. King Kuruchandra went out with great splendour to worship the revered Çantinátha. After he had bowed before him he listened to his preaching, and on obtaining a favourable opportunity, he asked the Jina the following question : 'By what merit, my lord, did I obtain such a kingdom ? Moreover, owing to what action do five things, of which clothes and fruit are the principal, come to me as a present every day? As for those things about which I ask, if I do not give them to others, I cannot enjoy them myself. Tell me all this, my lord.' The holy one said : 'King, you obtained the kingdom by a pious gift. Now hear the act of merit by which you obtained that fruit of merit:
*In this very land of Bharata there is a city of the
name of Crípura. STORY OF KURUCHANDRA IN A FORMER BIRTH.
TH. In it dwelt four merchants, who were friends, and they were known by these names ---Sudhana, Dhanapati, Dhaneçvara, and Dhanada. All four of them went to Ratnadvípa to acquire wealth. The four had a servant called Droņaka,