________________
488
at a suitable place. But before Ayampula could put him any question, Cosālaka, pre-informed as he was, told Ayampula the doubt existing in his mind, saying: - Ayampula ! While thinking about your family-matters, last night, you had a doubt about the form of a vegetation named Hallă and you have come here for explanation. Is is not quitet rue ? Ayampula, folding his hands in the form of an anjalı, said:-"yes, Sir, That is the object of my coming here. But instead of an explanation of his doubt, when Ayampula heard the following irrational shouting viz-“This is not the kernel of a mango-fruit but it is its skin ----What do you say? what is the form of Hallă ? The form of Hallă, resembles the root of a Bamboo ---Play on music Virakā Play on music! he did not have the slightest disrespect towards 'Gośālaka, who was talking at random on account of intoxication from winedrinking, as well as, on account of the agonies of bilious fever while he was answering the questions of Ayampula Becoming satisfied by the answers of his religious preceptor, and becoming pleased by the answers to some other questions also, Ayampula went home.
Cobalaka was becoming enfeebled at every moment and by the future pre-diction of śramağa Bhagavāna Mahavira, that “You will suffer from the agonies of bilious fever and you will die vowless within seven day," he was becoming convinced that his life in this world was nearing its end. He called his disciples to his presence and told them :-Mendicants ! After my death; wash my body with scented waters, wipe off my whole body with a perfumed ochre-coloured cloth; anoint it with a paste of Gosirsa Candana (a superior quality of sandal-wood ); then cover it with cloth; then placing the corpse in a palanquin capable of being carried by one thousand persous, have the palanquin taken through the principal market-places and streets of Śrāvasti, and go no shouting loudly “The final Tirthaikara of the present Avasar pipi has destroyed his Karmas and he has become liberated" The disciples of Gośalaka respectfully accepted this order of their guru with a low bow.
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
