Jain Journal 1981 07

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

Page 20

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JAIN JOURNAL
Then the merchant set out. The Acarya too set out surrounded by monks. They all advanced unhindered for some time. But after the arrival of the rainy season, because of the impassability of the path, Dhana halted in the forest. The Acarya also dwelt in a thatched hut as if in an Upasraya. There everyone's provision, barley etc. got exhausted and the members of the caravan afflicted by hunger, went here and there to eat bulbs, roots etc. One night the miserable plight of the caravan was fully described to its leader by his friend Manibhadra. Dhana remained in continuous thought about the caravan's trouble and in a moment he fell asleep, worn out by anxiety. During the last watch of the night a certain stable watchman recited that his Master, whose fame had spread in every direction, kept his promises ever though he had suffered misfortune, he surely did. When Dhana heard that he thought of the Acarya. So in the morning he first went to the Acarya's place and expressed his sorrow for forgetting his promise for a long time. He requested him to send monks to his hut so that he could give alms—and he went to his abode. Just behind him came two monks. He gave them fresh ghee. They blessed him. At that very moment, as the result of his gift, he acuqired righteousness (samyaktva).
At the end of the rainy season the caravan and the Acarya again set out. After caravan had crossed the forest, the Acarya took leave of the caravan-leader and went elsewhere. The merchant arrived at Vasantapura. He sold his merchandise and returned to his own place. In the course of time he died.
The soul of Dhana became a twin in Uttarakuru,? next it took birth in the Saudharma3 heaven and then it reincarnated as the son to king Satabala. He was exceedingly strong and was named Mahabala. Mahavala grew up gradually and learned all the arts. At the proper time his parents married him to a maiden named Vinayavati. His father felt disgusted with worldly life, appointed him his successer and renounced the world. Mahabala bore the burden of the kingdom and remained always engaged in pleasures of the senses. One day, he was seated in his assembly-hall. Many ministers and vasals including the important ministers, viz., Svayambuddha, Sambhinnamati, Satamati and Mahamati were present there. Svayambuddha, the possessor of right belief, thought that their Master was devoted to pleasures of the senses. His life engaged in such amusements was passed in vain. The master had to be led on the
? Ibid., 1.1.226-237. 3 Ibid., 1.1.238. 4 Ibid., 1.1.239-459.