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132
JAINA STORIES
"Oh king His heart is changed. He is repentant and on the way to burn his past sins. He is seated beside you on your left-hand side. You allay your hatred of him and approve of his desire to court restraint."
The king now cordially received Sahasramalla and the latter, in his turn, fell at his feet and begged to be forgiven. Both had tears in their eyes, but these were tears of affection. Sahasramalla on his own part invited the king to his own house to receive the entire treasure he had amassed through his life-time Said he,
"Sire! I have no need of this I shall be relieved to lay all this at thy feet They may be restored to their rightful owners
""
This was done as desired
Sahasramalla now came back to the Kevali in the company of his mother and both were inducted in the holy order as monk and nun To wash off his past sins, Sahasramalla went on fast for a month. The body which was so long instrumental in the acquisition of sins (karma) now became ready for liberation therefrom The vast accumulation of dreadful sins started decumulating and the soul was on the road to perfection In this way, through sincere perséverance, clean intentions and auspicious tinges, the soul became free of the wrappings of karma and attained kevala Jnana In that state, he stayed on the earth for some time, and then, plugging wholly the activities of body, mind and expression, he fixed himself rock-like, ultimately entering into liberation
