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Chapter Thirty-Six
363. In the city of Varanasi, which was like Amarpuri with its countless palaces, the people were happy and prosperous. 124. A being who had accumulated evil karma in a previous life was not worthy of being born in Varanasi. Even if such a being was born there, could they ever become sinful, even by mistake? No. 125. Thus, this city, which indicated the welfare of the past, present, and future, guided even those who lived elsewhere to the path of Dharma, just as the teachings of the Jinas do. 126. Just as a humble person is the master of knowledge, so too was the king Akampan, whose very name terrified his enemies, the master of this city. Just as knowledge grants one's desired objects, so too did this city grant its inhabitants their desires. 127. The king's policy, earned through good deeds in past lives, was not only for the increase and protection of Lakshmi, but also for the benefit of Dharma and Kama. 128. He was not only a collector of taxes from his people, but also a giver to them. He did not only punish them, but also protected them. Thus, the king, victorious through Dharma, nurtured all his subjects. 129. Just as Bharata honored Vrishabhadeva in the state of Paramatma, so too did he honor Akampan in the household. 130. Akampan had a queen named Suprabha, who was like the radiance of the moon. Just as the moon, the abode of many arts, shines brightly and brings joy to the lotus flowers, so too did Akampan, the abode of many arts and knowledge, shine brightly and bring joy to all beings on earth through his queen Suprabha. 131. Just as Suprabha, the virtuous queen who gave birth to excellent children, brought joy to the king, so too did Lakshmi not bring him joy. This is because, just as excellent vines bear good fruit, so too are virtuous wives, who bear children, dear to their husbands. 132.