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474
PHILOSOPHY OF SOUL
he had agreed to look after him or to maintain him in all respects in journey; but he could not look after him as promised. He regretted for his negligence and was reluctant to show his face to the preceptor.
In the morning, dressed in white and gay dresses, the merchant accompanied by his followers came over to the halting place of the preceptor. He found the preceptor as the incarnation of forbearance nobility, straightforwardness and contentment. Other monks were seated round about and some of them were engaged in meditation, some in observing silence, some in fasting till death, some in spiritual studies, while some were engaged in sweeping the ground. Dhan was deeply impressed with the spirit of atmosphere full of meditation, knowledge and spiritual studies. He offered his homages to the preceptor and the other monks. Atlast with his voice choked with tears he said to the preceptor, “Oh, Lord forgive me for my fault. I have greatly disregarded you. I have not served you properly. I am ashamed and I deeply repent for this fault of mine."
The preceptor replied, "Gentleman, you have guarded us on our way from fierce animals thieves and robbers. Therefore, we believe that we are properly treated and honoured. Moreover, your people extend to us required food and other requirements. I have no grievance in this matter. You need not regret therefore."
The merchant said, "Great men always appreciate virtues. Thus you only appreciate my virtues and do not condemn my vices or offences. Please show your grace to send some of the monks to accept food from us; so that I shall feel satisfied with such offer."
The preceptor replied, "As the times would permit." Then the merchant left for the shelter. Two monks arrived to beg for food but then no such food as acceptable by the monk was found with the merchant. The merchant tried to find out something here and there to find a pot of clarified butter. He said, "Is this acceptable to you?”
The monk replied, “It is acceptable.” The merchant was overjoyed with horripilation all over his body to find himself highly gratified with the acceptance made by the monk. He then bowed down to the monks and benedictions were bestowed upon him.
