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The palace was adorned with beautiful paintings, its darkness dispelled by the light of gem-studded lamps. It was resplendent with numerous platforms, each inlaid with jewels, and adorned with garlands of pearls, making it seem as if it were laughing. The air was heavy with the fragrance of jasmine, blue lotus, and mandara flowers, attracting swarms of bees. The walls were decorated with intricate paintings, adding to its splendor. ||21-24||
The forest-dwelling hero, his eyes closed in pleasure from the touch of his beloved's breasts, was radiant like lightning, embracing the cave of Mount Meru. ||25||
That day, by chance, the servants forgot to open the windows and doors of the palace, trapping the fragrant smoke from the incense used for hair rituals. The smoke, rising from the incense, caused the couple to faint momentarily. ||26||
The smoke choked their breath, causing them some internal distress. Finally, in the middle of the night, the couple, husband and wife, fell into a deep sleep – a sleep from which they would never awaken. ||27||
Just as a house becomes defiled by the darkness that lingers after the lamp is extinguished, so too did their bodies become defiled in an instant, their souls departing. ||28||
Like a uprooted Kalpa tree, even with its vines still attached, that no longer shines, the lifeless forest-dwelling hero, even with his beloved by his side, lost his radiance. ||29||
Though the incense was meant for their enjoyment, it led to their death. Therefore, these pleasures, like the fangs of a serpent, are destroyers of life, and deserve to be condemned. ||30||
The forest-dwelling hero and his beloved, who had always been happy, experiencing the finest pleasures, were now both in a state worthy of pity. Therefore, this state of the world deserves to be condemned. ||31||
O noble ones, when even the means of enjoyment can lead to such a state for living beings, what is the purpose of these pleasures that ultimately bring sorrow? Abandon them and find joy in the path of the Jinas, free from attachment. ||32||