Prakrit Prose and Verse

Author(s): Kamalchand Sogani
Publisher: Apbhramsa Sahitya Academy

Page 78

After some time she instructs her mother-in-law also in this way. (Now) she searches time for instructing the father-in-law.
4. Once in her house one saint (who was) wise, (was) fixed in youth and observer of great vows, adorned with Śramanika clusters of characteristics came for begging food. Having seen the peaceful and dispassionate saint arrived in the house who has adopted vows just in youth, it was thought by her even at the time of his presenting food (that) observance of great vows in youth is very difficult. In this youthfulness how the great vows have been observed by him? (The answer) to the problem was enquired in this way for testing: (the problem is) at present there has come up no time, why have you come out (of the world) before (time)? Having known the thought aroused in her mind, it was said by the saint, 'knowledge is time'. When will there be death nobody knows this. Therefore (I) have come out (of the world) without time. Having understood the reply, she was satisfied. She was also asked by the saint, - "How many years you have passed away." Having understood the meaning of the saint's question : It was told by her, 'twelve years' even on having passed away twenty years. Again, how many years your husband has passed? This was asked, It was told by her - Five years, even on having passed away twenty five years by the dearest. In this way, six month were told for the mother-in-law. On asking about the father-in-law, It was told (by her), “He is not yet born.”
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