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148
JAINA STORIES
yasa was moving with his monks in the company of a certain merchant But, by chance, the monks were separated from their host, and it was not possible for them to reach their destination before the rains started. So they sought shelter in Bankachula's village Bankachula welcomed the monks but said,
“Monks ! As for shelter, there is no dearth of it in this village, and you may live wherever you like, but on one condition, vz, that you do not utter any holy word here The ways you ask people to discard are the means of our livelihood We do not want that you take shelter with us and yet deprive us of our means of livelihood"
The Acarya agreed The monks lived on but they never violated the condition They did not open their lips to talk or to take any food When the rainy season was over, the monks were preparing to depart The Acarya sought Badkachula's permission. Badkachula who was deeply impressed by their firmness very reluctantly gave it He himself accompanied the group till the border of his village Then he bowed before the Acarya and the monks imploring,
“Come again"
The Acarya said the following words at the time of departure :
“Bankachula ! We thank you for the shelter you gave us, and happily did we spend the rainy season in your village. As per your condition, we never opened our ups during these four months But it now time for us to depart and I would like to address a few words to you. If you like them, then, try to understand them”
“You are welcome, sır, but I hope, you will restrict yourself to items that may be possible for me or within my capacity."
"Bankachula ! I advise you to desist from four things, which are
(1) do not eat a fruit you do not know, (2) do not strike at any one without moving back seven
or eight steps;
