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WORLD-FLIGHT AND SANNYASA looked on it aghast! The WORLD TEACHER needed no reminder, in reality, to detach Himself from the world. The fire that had been smouldering, in the secret, in the heart now leaped into a flame. He made up his mind there and then to say good bye to the world and to the good things of the world!
Deva-sages who had been watching the proceedings from the end region of the fifth heaven, immediately appeared to worship the WORLD TEACHER and to strengthen him in his resolve. "They adored Him in suitable terms that were calculated to fill the mind with serenity and a sense of detachment from the perishable world.
The WORLD TEACHER placed Bharata on the royal seat, and appointed Bahubali the heir-apparent to the Throne. He gave His lands and territory to His other sons and relations, according to their fitness and needs, and gave away much wealth in charity. Having done all this, He took leave from His parents, wives and kinsmen. The assembled devas and men then performed His abhişeka, and worshipped Him.
Rişabha Deva then rose and stepped into the celestial palanquin (Sudarśanā by name) which the devas had brought for the occasion. First of all certain human kings carried the palanquin. After they had gone seven steps it was carried by
