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p. 779-789.)
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great sinners frequently have all their desires fulilled, while the good and pious are poor and miserable. He replied that this was so ordained in order that men of a wicked disposition might give full play to their passions and be punished according to their desert. 785, 5.
Trilocana asked, whether it was better to give support or the promise of safety (abhayadāna). S. gave the preference to promise of safety and in proof thereof related the
A pologue of the robber and the four queens.
785,9—787,15. Kuśndhraja, king of Brahmapura, hol four wives, Kamaluka, etc. Once he was playing at dice with them, when a robber tas brought before him, whom he sentenced to death Tho robber laniented his lot, saying that he had never committed theft before and no desire of his had ever been fulfilled. The queens had compassion on him, and the king consented that each of them should give him a treat before he was executed. Three of them viod with cach other in Mpending enormous Nums for this purpose. Kamaluka, however, said, she could spend no more than they had done, wherefore she was not in a position to make him a proper present. The king whose favorite she was, vouchsafeil her any gift she should like to make. So she gave him the promise of safety, which the robber declared that he valued more than all that had been bestowed on him by the other queens.' 787,16.
Saniarāditya left Ayodhya and in the course of his wan. derings came to the kingdom of Avanti. Staying in an Asokagrove he was perceived by Girisena, wbo had been long on the look out for the objeot of his hatred. While the Saint was engaged in contemplation, Girisena surrounded him with old clothes, sprinkled them with linseed oil, and set fire to them, Samarāditya, however, did not allow himself to be disturbed in his meditatioh, but endured all pains patiently. At that moment he attained omniscience (kevala). 788,18.
The god Velamdhara hastening to his Assistance extinguished the fire and reviled Girisena. Now king Municandra with his wives arrived. He was amazed at the atrocious deed
