Jain Journal 1970 04

Author(s): Jain Bhawan Publication
Publisher: Jain Bhawan Publication

Page 38

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JAIN JOURNAL
remonstrated with the king but in vain. Kalakacarya summoned the fourfold Synod ; but that also in vain, and Kalakacarya made a vow, “either to drive the king out of his kingdom, or himself to go the way of those who are the enemies of the faith and destroy piety'. So saying the Wise One reflected that he must have recourse to cunning, since the king was brave and powerful, and expert in ass-magic. He dressed himself as a madman, and frequented cross roads and market places calling out 'If Gardhavilla is king, what of that ? If I go on begging, what of that ? When the townsfolk heard the Wise One crying out in this way, they blamed the king. When the ministers heard that all the folk of the city blamed the king, they said to him. 'Sire, do not do so, but set free the nun. But the king was wroth.
Now the Wise One left Ujjayini and went to the land of Sakas. The princes there were called Sahis and their overlord the Sahansahi. Kalakacarya remained at the court of one of the Sahis, and brought him under his power. One day when the Sahi was talking with the Wise One, the doorkeepr announced the messenger of the Sahansahi. He was brought in and gave the king a present, a sword sent by his master. Thereat the Sahi's face darkened. When the messenger had departed, the Wise One asked the Sahi why he was thus downcast at receiving a mark of favour from his master. 'Honourable sir,' he replied, “that was not a sign of favour, but of anger. When he is wroth with us he sends a sword, and we must slay ourselves therewith, and since he is mighty, his commands must be obeyed.' The Wise One enquired, 'Is he angry only with thee, or with others also ? The Sahi answered, 'He is angry also with the nintyfive other Sahis, since the sword bear the number 96.' The Wise One said, 'If so, do not slay thyself. Send a messenger to the other Sahis to say that we shall set out for Hindusthan.'
So they did and came to Saurastra. Kalakacarya urged them to capture Ujjayini as there they would find good living. They said, “With a good will, but we have no resources. So the Wise One with magic powder changed all the potter's stuff to gold, and said, "Take this for your needs.'
When Gardhabhilla heard of the enemy's approach, he marched forth and met them on the borders of his country and joined battle. He was defeated and his army dispersed. He drew back into his city with the remnants of the army. The victors laid siege, and made daily assaults. One day they saw the fort empty. The Wise One said, 'Today is the Eighth, when Gardhabhilla fasts and practises his ass-magic; go see if there be a she-ass anywhere upon the walls.' They saw that there was