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est in mundane affairs and had decided not to marry This was a source of great worry for the family and the near and dear ones They were waiting far a chance to change his mind
"One day, Jinadatta had gone out to the city park in the company of his friends. In a Jina temple in the park, he sat down to pray It was an accident that at that time, a beautiful damsel was already engaged in prayer in the same temple, and Jinadatta's eyes fell on her This was Jinamati, daughter of one Priyamitra, who had extensive trade with foreign lands Jinadatta felt impressed at the dame's devotion As he made enquiries about her from his friends --and indeed this was the first occasion when he made any such enquiry-they told him all that they knew about her, adding, 'The workmanship of the Creator will be duly rewarded if you two were united'
"Jinadatta didnt' like the suggestion 'You talk of marriage even in a temple This is no place for playing pranks or cutting jokes You know well how little do I care for marriage I saw her in deep prayer, and so I enquired, without any motive'
“After finishing her prayer, as Jinamatı stood up to go, her eyes too fell on Jinadatta, and she liked his youth, vigour and manliness She felt a love for him at first sight. Her companions noticed this and secretly reported it to ber father, who became happy
"Now, Priyamitra came to Jinadasa with the proposal of the marriage of his daughter with the latter's son, which the merchant welcomed with joy When, however, Jinadasa took the matter to his son, the son said, 'Sire You know well that I intend to join the holy order'
This was a very difficult situation Jinadasa had already given his assent to the proposal So he said to his son, 'Did you, by any chance, see the girl ?' Jinadatta said nothing
