________________
363
his shelter was looking around with his lotus-like eyes at the divine river with the object of going over to the opposite bank, a boat-man made ready a well-jointed strong skiff prepared with rafting of excellent wood Persons desirous of crossing the river took their seats in the skiff, and sramana Bhagavān Mahāvīra also took his seat in a corner. The skiff was set in motion, the sajl was raised up, and with swift rowing, the skilf moved on with great rapidity.
ASTROLOGER KHEMALA At that moment, an owl sitting some-where on the bank of the river predicted an event, and a fortunc-teller named Khémala on hearing the bird's voice, said - "Ab! this great omen signifies that all of you will meet with a disaster ending in death, but, through the super-natural power of this great saint, you will be able to go to the other bank without any obstacle". When the persons sitting in the skiff, becoming astonished on hearing this, were talking on various subjects amongst themselves, the skiff reached a place in the river) with lathom. less water.
On seeing Sramana Bhagavān Mahävira seated in a skiff, the wicked Nāga-sudāļba god began to think within himself: - This is the same person who during his previous birth as Triprstha Vasudéva, cut me asunder into two parts like an old worn out piece of cloth, with his own hands, duriag my exiatence, at that time, as a lion living in a mountain-cave and fond of various sportive amusements and graceful fun at my own free will. In what way did I, then, offend him that, living as I was in a desolate forest, that he - a disinterested foe of mine-killed by cutting me into two parts in that way? Now, to-day I have fully accomplished my much-desired wish that my enemy him self has come here within my range of vision. Wise persons of this world, say that in this life friendly service should be the reward of a kind act; and an unkind treatment should be meted to an enemy. Consequently although my death is near, it will be immensely satisfying to my mind that I have, at this time,
For Private & Personal Use Only
Jain Education International
www.jainelibrary.org
