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PRINCE MEHA
111 the gift of a disciple ; accept the gift of a disciple, 0 beloved of the gods."
49. Thus addressed by Prince Meha's parents, the Ascetic, the Lord Mahávíra, duly gave assent to this matter.
50. Thereupon Prince Meha retired from before the Ascetic, the Lord Mahá víra, to the northeastern direction, and with his own hands doffed his ornaments, garlands and finery.
51. Then Prince Meha's mother received those ornaments, garlands and finery in a swan-figured robe, and pouring forth tears, and weeping, she said, “ You must strive, child; you must labour, child; in this matter there must be no sloth ; may this path likewise be ours.” So Prince Meha's parents, having greeted and bowed before the Ascetic, the Lord Mahávíra went back in the direction from which they had come.
52. Then Prince Meha with his own hands plucked out his hair in five handsful, and went towards the Ascetic, the Lord Mahávíra, and said, "The world is aflicker, Sir, with age and death. Just as a householder, when his house is on fire, takes thence some treasure of small mass and great value that is therein, and goes aside with it, thinking that this which he has taken out will be in far or near lite to his weal and pleasure; so is this my soul', the only treasure that is beloved, lovely and dear. This when saved, will cut short my life-wanderings. Therefore
1. The other reading for giot is grant which will mean · Right conduct, righteousness.'
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