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PHILOSOPHY OF SOUL
425
life. There is no agitation. But Lubdhaka never thought of religion and so he grew very nervous and worried.
Seeing him worried his sons asked him: "Father, why are you so much worried? Let us know your desire so that we may fulfil it. We would grant ornamented cows in charity, beds to Brahmins and silver coins equal to your own weight after religious rites to secure peace and happy-state for your soul hereafter.
Lubdhaka said: "I do not care for religion. You know I got punished heavily all whom I envied. I got their property confiscated. But one farmer named Tungabhadra has escaped my clutches. So plan out to get him fined after my death".
The sons said: "Father, do not talk so. Pray to God and earn merits by offering alms etc".
Lubdhaka said: "I am not concerned with God, nor with religion. Fulfil this my desire if you are my true sons". Sons had to submit to the obstinacy of the father and they agreed to carry out their father's desire.
Lubdhka said: "Then act as I command and not otherwise. Do not lament after my death. I swear you by me not to weep. Carry my dead body to Tungbhadra's farm and set afloat the allegation that Tungbhadra killed me. Then the policemen will arrest him and get him severely punished".
The sons agreed to carry their father's wish and Lubdhaka expired. We need not narrate what happened thereafter and what were the consequences that followed. We merely intend to point out that the most of the persons most wicked by nature do not realise religious merits.
BHUTAMATI
In a village named Kanthapura there lived a Brahmin named Bhutamati who was educated at Benares. He was not married till long in life as he had no proper means of maintenance. He was running a 'Pathshala' to earn his livelihood.
Some of his followers gave him some money to spend for marriage and he married with a beautiful Brahmin maiden named Yagnadatta. By the passage of time he become very much
