Life and Stories of Jaina Savior Parcvanatha

Author(s): Maurice Bloomfield
Publisher: Maurice Bloomfield

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Life and Stories of Pārçvanātha
Story of Lalitāñga, concluded Naravāhana continued his panegyric on the virtue of samyaktva which remains valid even if good conduct is infringed upon (cāritrayāne bhagne'pi). Lalitāõga greatly honored Naravāhana, and received further instruction. He built a magnificent Jaina temple, in which he set up an image of Nābheya (Rşabha). Under the influence of his father's teaching he renounced his kingdom, entered upon the vow of complete resignation' (samastavirati-vrata), died, and went to heaven. Falling from thence he will obtain final perfection (siddhi) in Videha (605-669).
Frame story: The enmity between the brothers, Kamatha
and Marubhūti 32 The story returns to the Sage Hariscandra (see verse 40), thru whose influence many people were converted, among others Marubhūti, who was weaned from passion, devoted himself to the Law, and practiced many virtues. Kamatha, whose heart was not pierced by the Sage's instruction, remained unenlightened. Owing to Marubhūti's chastity his wife Vasundharā became love-mad, and, after first repelling Kamatha's advances, finally submitted to his unbridled lust. Blinded by love, they constantly indulged in incestuous adultery (683). Varuņā, Kamatna's wife, observing, reported the affair to Marubhūti. Thereupon he went to a distant village, but returned in the guise of a holy beggar (kārpaţika), and asked Kamatha for shelter. The latter assigned to him a corner of his house, where, pretending to sleep, he became witness to the misconduct of his brother with
* See Introduction, p. 13 ff.