Agam 21 Upang 10 Pushpika Sutra English Translation

Author(s): Dipratnasagar, Deepratnasagar
Publisher: Deepratnasagar

Page 20

Pushpika-Upang-10- Chapter-4
sunrise it would be proper for me to seek permission from Bhadra Sarthavaha, go to Aryika Suvrata and get initiated after renouncing the household."
Accordingly in the morning she went to Bhadra Sarthavaha and joining her palms said—"Beloved of gods ! I have been enjoying my married life with you for many years but I have not given birth even to a single child. Now it is my desire that after getting your permission I will go to Aryika Suvrata and get initiated as an ascetic."
At these words from Subhadra, Bhadra Sarthavaha said
"Beloved of gods ! Please don't tonsure your head, renounce the household and get initiated immediately. Enjoy more mundane pleasures with me as before and get initiated by Suvrata Aryaa only later."
Subhadra Sarthavahi did not accept these words of Bhadra Sarthavaha. Second time and third time also she insisted saying—"Beloved of gods! I want to get your permission and go to Aryika Suvrata to get initiated as an ascetic."
With all enticing and warning words, arguments, detailed explanations (prajnapti), narration of examples and incidents (sanjnapti), and persuasions (vijnapti) Bhadra Sarthavaha failed to dissuade Subhadra. Finally, out of compulsion, he unwillingly gave her permission to get initiated.
After that Bhadra Sarthavaha arranged for (by instructing his servants) large quantities of staple food, liquids, general food, and savoury food and invited all his friends, kin-folk, family members, relatives and acquaintances. After feeding them he greeted and honoured them. Then Subhadra Sarthavahi took her bath, performed auspicious rituals and atonements and adorned herself with ornaments. She then rode a large palanquin carried by one thousand persons. Amidst the sound of musical instruments like trumpet, display of wealth and grandeur and surrounded by friends, kin-folk, family members, relatives and acquaintances shearrived, passing through Varanasi city, at the upashraya (place of stay for ascetics) of Suvrata Aryaa. The palanquin was stopped and she alighted from it.
Bhadra Sarthavaha got down from his palanquin and escorted Subhadra Sarthavahi to the place where Suvrata Aryaa was. After paying homage and obeisance he submitted
"Beloved of gods ! I adore and love Subhadra, my wife. I have always cared and protected her from various ailments and torments caused by disturbed body humoursair, bile and .phlegm. But, О Beloved of gods ! Disturbed by the fears of worldly existence and afraid of the miseries of life and death, she now wants to tonsure her head and get initiated by you. Therefore, O Beloved of gods ! I offer her to you as a disciple-donation. Kindly accept this disciple-donation.
At this request by Bhadra Sarthavaha, Suvrata Aryaa said "Beloved of gods ! Do as you please and avoid languor when doing a good auspicious deed."
Subhadra Sarthavahi was pleased and contented at hearing these words from Suvrata Aryaa. She (went aside and) discarded her householder's dress, garlands and ornaments and put on the white ascetic-garb). Pulling out all hair from her head (formally termed as five-fistful pulling out of hair) she approached Suvrata Aryaa. After going around her three times and paying homage she said
"Bhante ! This world is being consumed by the fire of birth, old age and death. In a
Aagam -21 - Pushpika
Compiled by - Deepratnasagar
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