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One day śramaņa Bhagavān Mahāvira came to Kākandi. On hearing the news of the Lord's arrival there, thousands of persons went to him for darśana, Dhanya Kumāra also went there, on foot, for darsana and for hearing the preaching. He went three times from right to left round sramana Bhagavāna Mahāvīra by way of a pradakşiņā, und with a low salutation at his feet, he sat facing him Un listening to the preaching of the Worshipful Lord, a strong emotion of renouncing all the pleasures of this world, took possession of Dhanya Kumār's, mind. On his return home, Dhanya Kumara went to his mother and told her:-"Mother I By hearing the preaching of śramana Bhagavāna Mahāvira, I have become perfectly indifferent to worldly enjoyments, and have now, a disgust for sensual pleasures, please, therefore, give me your permission to take Dikşā.' On hea. ring these words, Bhadrā Sethāni was greatly embarassed. She explained to him all the difficulties-favourable, as well as, unfavourable-in the strict observance of the rigid vows of ascetic life, and the inconveniences of timely getting even insipid, and fresh food and drink-materials. She tried her utmost to dissuade him from taking Diksâ during his youth by a variety of arguments and devices, but Dhanya Śéthe was not in the least, inclined to swerve from his firm resolution. Bhadra Śéthāņi had to yield. She informed King Jitasatru-the King of Kākandi-and requested hitn to persuade her son. Wealthy citizens generally have amiable relations with the king of the town and it is but natural that Bhadră Sèthani sought the help of the king King Jitasatru personally came to Bhadra's house, and tried to persuade Dhanya Śétha.
King Jitasatru-"O Beloved of the gods! Why do you abandon such excellent worldly pleasures that you have fortunately acquired ? Remaining happily under my protection, you enjoy all the pleasures, to your heart's content Now, let me know if you have any inconvenience, I shall remove all your troubles.
Dhanya Śétham
wise king ! If only yon can prevent Death
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