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Bhagwan Mahavir ]
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ances in order to emaciate his body. The object of his penances was to follow the scriptures, to destroy internal sins, and to find out the right way to Moksha. At last, the soul left his body and went to Heaven.
With the power of his Avadhi-Jnana (clairvayant knowledge, the soul of Muni Gobhadra was able to see his son, Shali Bhadra, from heaven. He rejoiced in the good fortune of his son and showered affection on him from heaven. He satisfied all the wants of his son in the same way as the KaIpa-Vriksha ( the wish--giving tree ) satisfies all the wants of those who come under its shelter. Bhadra, too, although sband was very sad at heart on account of the death of her husband, did not want to stand between Shali-Bhadra and his luxuries. She looked after her house-hold affairs herself. While such was the condition of the mother, Shali-Bhadra had nothing to do except to enjoy the various luxuries placed at his disposal due to giving alms to a liermit in his previous life.
One day, some merchaats came to Emperor Shrenika with the intention of selling their blankets stndded with precious stones. But the price of each blanket was so high that the Emperor expressed his inability to buy them. He said, “I do not yet require them,” and sent them back from the royal palace. Then those merchants had a chance to talk to the maid-servants of Shali Bhadra, who brought them to the house of Shali Bhadra. Shali Bhadra was at that time in his harem; therefore the blankets were shown to his mother, Bhadra. Thinking that in such a big house as her's blankets may be required some time afterwards, she bought all of them and gave to the merchants as much money as they asked for them.
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