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approaching danger, they respectfully prostrated them-selves at the feet of the Lord, and with anjali in front of their fore-heads, they began to beg pardon for their misbehaviour.
Sranana Bhagavān Mahāvīra then went in the direction of Vaisāli Nagar! On the way, at the confluence of two roads, Gośāla disappointed at the various harassments in Lata-desa, told Śramaņa Bhagavãn Mahāvīra. “You do not come to my rescue although you actually see me beaten at various places. All the afflictions directed intentionally towards you, become the source of trouble to me Besides, people also, first of all bear me and then you. I get my daily food only with great difficulty. Moreover, you remain indifferent to respect or disrespect, and you do not deeire any service rendered to you. I do not see any qualification of a leader in you Way should a servant desirous of one's own happinees, serve a master who is not happy at the happiness of his servant and who is not grieved at bis servant's troubles ! I only desire long life and happiness. So, O Venerable Sire ! enough of such service " Siddhārtha replied :“Do as it pleases you. Such is uur custom; what else can we say to you?”. Conversing in this way, with each other, Šramaņa Bhagavån Mahāvīra went in the direction of Vāśāli Nagari and Gośāla becoming separated from Sramaņa Bhagavān Mahăvira, went in the direction of Rājagriha Nagari. On his way, Gośāla passed through a big forest full of elephants, lions, ilgers, pan. thers, jackals, deer and other beasts of prey, and formidable with very tall trees reaching the sky. The chief of the robbers' gang had posted a man on a big tree for the purpose of keeping a watch on travellers. The man on the tree, at seeing Gośāla coming leisurely towards him informed his master. “A naked sādhu is coming". The chief of the gang replied. Ther, he has not got anything worth plundering 1 Otherwise, why should he enter such a lonely forest? Or, he may be a miscreant who assuming such a guise, wants to cheat us. So, let him come with an unhindered gait and we shall pay him his due for his misdemeanour". As soon as Gośāla came near, they caught him saying, "Come, maternal uncle. You are well-come ” and having
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