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JAINA STORIES
tion, the words of wisdom dropped from the lips of the wise. Said she,
"My dear ! Did we do as many good deeds in our life as we should have done as human beings. Perhaps we didn't We did not practise all the rituals, penances, reading the sacred texts, meditation, kayotsarga, etc, in particular. You are more pious than me, more learned, more wise I have a very humble request If we end our life like this, without fulfilling our spiritual obligation, what will be the outcome for us? Any spiritual practice performed with sincerity never goes 10 vain I am sure, such a thing will help us to overcome this great difficulty
Akalasa readily agreed He thanked his wife for showing the right path He threw aside the cup of poison and fixed himself in the kayotsarga posture
The next morning, Hamırsingh was to leave the kingdom. He was all these days lookiog for an attorney who would take charge of his property He acquainted himself with the standing and creditworthiness of various people living in the city, and at last he decided to have Akalasa to be his attorney to look after his earthly possessions during his exile He felt that Akalasa was the right man to do the job With this thought in his mind, he came to Akalasa's house and explained to bim the situation he was in. The seth expressed his sympathy for him and said,
“Sır! What can I do for you?"
-"So long as I am outside the country, you will be my attorney to look after my property, movable and immovable. I hope, I am placing my property lo right hands and it will be duly taken care of by you"
To a very calm voice, Akalasa said,
"Sir! Never trust a merchant When there is loss in business, he gets tempted at other people's wealth So please do not involve me in the safecustody of your wealth "
-"Seth ! I am not going to be guided by you on this point After much consideration, I have selected you for my purpose. You may use my wealth for any purpose you'
