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[ The Conjurer Achchhandaka
kinds of false Talismans and magic rings, gave them to the people, and thus earned his living robbing them of their money, religion, and virtues at one and the same time. As soon as the Lord reached there, and the fame of his truly austere penances and meditation spread far and wide, and the people of that village began to smell simulation and deceitfulness in the actions of Achchhandaka. They were now on their guard, and attracted towards the Lord more and more. This clearly meant a decrease in the earnings of Achchhandaka, who, feeling very much disgusted, came to the Lord one day, and said in trembling voice, "MercyIncarnate ! You are all respected; wherever you go you will be worshipped in the best possible way. But foolish people like myself are always careful of their livelihood. Lord ! no sooner did you make your appearance in this village than the people began to devote their attention to your penances and meditation. They have lost faith in me and my actions; and consequently my earnings have considerably decreased. If such conditions prevail for a long time, it would be very difficult for me even to maintain my family. I would be very glad if you kindly leave this village, and go to some distant place where these people might not reach. When they do not see you, they would not imitate you; and naturally, then, they would not disregard me.” The Lord was deeply touched to hear these pitiable but sincere words of the conjurer. At the same time, he was reminded of his own promise of not staying in uncongenial surroundings ’. He therefore, did not think it proper to stay even for a single minute in that village. He at once resumed his Vihara, and visiting Vachala Sannivesha on his way, came to Svetambari city.
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