Life and Stories of Jaina Savior Parcvanatha

Author(s): Maurice Bloomfield
Publisher: Maurice Bloomfield

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Life and Stories of Pārçvanātha
he saw such a man standing in the temple of the divinity, invited and fed him, and then struck his foot with a cudgel. But the man fell at the blow, cried aloud, armed police arrived on the spot, and took the barber before the king. He told of the gold-man in Kubera's house, and how everything had happened differently when he had tried it. Whereupon Kubera was cited into the royal presence, and told the entire marvel from beginning to end. The king rejoiced that so pious a man as Kubera resided in his kingdom, honored him, and dismissed the barber. Others followed Kubera's example and led generous lives (959-989).
Story of the miserly merchant Dhanasāra, continued
Upon hearing these sermons and stories Dhanasāra told the Sage that henceforth he would keep for himself only one-fourth of such wealth as he might acquire, and distribute the rest in the cause of religion. The Sage accepted his declaration, and instructed him still further.
Later on Dhanasāra went to Tāmaliptī on business, but also passed some time in honoring the Jina. In the town there was a house which had been depopulated by a Vyantara demon. There Dhanasāra lived in the company of a Jina image. By night, until sunrise, the demon angrily haunted him, assuming terrible forms. But Dhanasāra kept calm, so that the demon was much impressed, and told him to ask a favor. Dhanasāra asked nothing; so the god, of his own accord, advised him to return home to Mathurā, and there become rich again. Dhanasāra accepted this advice, in order to purge himself of • stinginess. He returned to Mathurā, found there his former property, in due time became enormously rich, built a lofty Jaina temple, made other benefactions, and re