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THE INDIAN ANTIQUARY.
[MARCH, 1908.
kindness provided with all that was necessary. For some time, about twelve years, they practised asceticism and so they lived content. Then the man and woman died and were mukta, blessed and delivered, in consequence of what they had done: asceticism and good works. Then they went to Indra's heaven, to remain there. Utsahadharma became Indra, but Maladara became Parnavijaya. The truth may be that it was ordained for the latter to come to heaven because of his former good works, wherewith, however, was joined an angry disposition, which was the reason, why he went to hell. But he has asked for instruction concerning the Sacred Law, and this is why he has not long been in the cauldron nor undergone the five states of earthly suffering. And his architect, named Kirnagata, was likewise guilty of anger and understood it not. He died and became Kunjarakarna, because he too became angry and treated a poor man with scorn. Therefore Utsahadharma takes a higher rank than Parnavijays, because the latter, formerly, was guilty of anger. Both showed regard to the Sacred Law, and this is the reason why they ascended to heaven. So be it known to you, defenders of the four quarters, and gods, as well!"
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So spake the Lord Vairochana, in order to communicate the former history of Parnavijaya and Kunjarakarna.-"See, defenders of the four corners of the earth, these are the fruits when men have regard to the Sacred Law."
"O Lord and Master! We, your sons, offer you lowly homage. Yes, Master, such was the past of Pârnavijaya and Kunjarakarna. Yes, the past has been the cause and reason why he was not longer punished in Yama's kingdom and underwent the five states of worldly suffering."
"Ah, my children! defenders all of the four quarters, see the fate, as the consequence of actions, in a former state, of one who knows the Sacred Law: he does not long undergo pain and torment."
"Amen, so is it, Master!"
Immediately, with lowly bows, they made their parting salutation to the Lord, and asked for permission to return, each to his own heaven. Let this be to human beings an example worthy to be followed: he who knows how to respect the Sacred Law, returns to his own heaven.
Quickly! Immediately, all the gods took their departure with a lowly reverence. Parnavijays remained behind. He took leave of his well-beloved: "O little mother! I take leave of you in order to follow my elder brother Kunjarakarna, and to practise asceticism for a while. I wish to atone for my guilt towards Yamadhipati and the Lord. Great is my obligation to them: I have to thank them for my life; a debt which I can never sufficiently repay. So, go back little mother, accompanied by the Vidyadharas and the Vidyadharis. Go, little mother!"
"O elder brother Parnavijaya! I wish to practise asceticism with you. I will live and die with you. I cannot live far from you."-Kusumagandhavati wept bitterly.
"O Kusumagandhavati, my lass! it is absolutely forbidden that anyone who practises asceticism should take a woman with him. It is far from my thoughts to practise asceticism for long; after twelve years I shall return; go back now, little mother."
"O elder brother Parnavijaya, I have not yet had my fill of loving you, elder brother Parnavijaya!"
Thereupon Kusumagandhavati went homewards, weeping all the way, and accompanied by the Vidyadharas and Vidyadharis. Quickly! Away! Without lingering on the way she came to Indra's heaven, where she occupied herself in prayer and pious meditation.
When Kusumagandhavati had departed, Parnavijaya took leave of the Lord:-- "O Lord and Master; I ask for permission to take leave, and, for a time, to practise asceticism." This was granted to him and was not refused. And he departed,
