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DHANASARA
"Oh muni! For what karma did I acquire so much wealth and for what karma did I lose muy all ?"
The muni said,
"Oh merchant ! All these happen as per karma which 15 powerful. In Dhatakikband, there was a city named Ambica. Two brothers lived there The elder brother was always generous helping the needy, but the younger brother was miserly and did not like the charities made by his elder brother When he saw him making charities, he would even lose his tcmper. Such a situation continued for some time and then the younger brother could toletate it no more and separated But even after this, the elder brother's wealth, instead of diminishing, went on increasing So the younger brother lodged a complain with the king and induced him to take custody of his property and wealth The elder brother was decply wounded at this and he renounced the world. After bis death, by virtue of his good deeds, he became a dera heaven.
The younger brother was now bitterly criticised hy the people and he could no longer remain in the society. So he joined the order of some heretics and on completion of his life was born as one of the Asurakumaras 10 hell Having completed his life there, he is reborn in you in your previous life, you disapproved of gifts and charities and so you are still a miser. You deprived your brother of bis rightful wealth and so you are deprived now And, well, your elder brother, having spent his life in Saudharmaloka, he was born as a merchant in Tamraliptı. He earned much wealth and spent many years enjoying material happiness. Then he gave up his all to join the order of monks. He is the person now speaking to you"
Dhanasara was sorry, and was yet amazed to hear this revealing account He fell at the feet of his elder brother, the muni, and begged to be forgiven. He took yow not to indulge in sidful acts any more and to donate three-fourths of his earping, retaining for personal use only a quarter. This had instantaneous effect. By the mercy of a deva, all his wealth and afluence that had been lost were restored.
