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PHILOSOPHY OF SOUL
7
himself left for the holy sight of Acharyashree. Having listened to his preachings he said, "Oh blessed one, our King Pradeshi is irreligious and does not govern the country properly. Moreover, he does not respond to any monk, brahmin or a beggar. He harasses all. It would be beneficial if you preach religion to him and thereby the monks, the brahmins and the beggars, the men, animals and birds will be highly obliged.
Acharyashree replied, "Oh Chitra, how should I preach religion to your King Pradeshi unless he comes here," Chitra said, "By any means I shall bring him here, you preach him religion profusely. Do not be reluctant at all."
One day in the morning Chitra approached the king and having hailed him victory said, "Oh Lord, I have sent to you four horses at present, kindly inspect them. Today it is a fine day for such sort of works."
The king said, "Yoke all the four horses to the chariot. I get ready myself in the meanwhile."
Chitra under the instructions brought the chariot. King Pradeshi took his seat in the chariot and set out of Shvetambika city. Chitra drove away the chariot very far. Then the king much tired of heat, thirst and wafting dust said, "Chitra, now turn back the chariot." So Chitra did accordingly and halted it near the park where the monk Keshikumar had put up along with his disciples. Chitra said, "Your honour, this is Mrigavana park. Let the horses rest. We also would rest here for a while."
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The king consented and Chitra having taken the horses near halting place of Keshikumar, started minding the horses. The king descended from the chariot and started patting the horses. While doing so, he saw the monk Keshikumar, preaching the audience.
On secing him King Pradeshi said, "Who is this rustic monk? What does he live upon ? What does he drink? How he appears so robust and handsome physically? And what does he preach to the people to attract such a large audience here?"
He said, "Chitra, just see, what is all this going on? What is that dunce preaching to the stupid fellows here? Due to these carefree people, we cannot move at ease in this garden. When we