Life and Stories of Jaina Savior Parcvanatha

Author(s): Maurice Bloomfield
Publisher: Maurice Bloomfield

Page 87

King Vajranabha and his cousin Kubera 73
SARGA THE THIRD
Frame story: King Vajranabha and his infidel cousin Kubera
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Kiraṇavega fell in due time from his high estate of god, and was reborn as Prince Vajranābha,1 son of Lakşmivati, the wife of Vajravīrya, king of Çubhamkarā. He grew into every bodily and mental perfection, so as to become the fitting mate of Vijayā, daughter of Candrakanta of Badgadeça, with whom he lived wisely and piously (20). It happened that he had a visit from a cousin (mātulanandana), by name of Kubera, an infidel, hated even by his own father. Kubera mocked Vajranābha's piety, advising him to fulfil every desire of his mind, speech, and body.' While Vajranābha was trying to reform Kubera, the great Sage Lokacandra arrived in a park outside the city. They both went to hear him preach a lengthy sermon on a variety of topics (58). Kubera remained sceptical, upheld the advantages of a sensual life, and supported his position by rationalistic arguments (65). The Sage gently reproved and refuted him, and, in the course of exposition of the Jaina doctrine, arrived at the four worldly (laukika) virtues, which are the theme proper of this Sarga. These are vinaya, 'tact'; viveka, discernment'; susamga, 'association with good people'; and susattvatā, ' resolute courage (98). The text next defines the first of these virtues, illustrating by the following story (1-104):
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1 Sixth pre-birth of the future Pārçva.
'See Çalibhadra Carita 1. 21; 2. 2.
2