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pāla for "Gocari' (begging for food at the houses of people ). Dhanapâla was busy taking his bath at the time when the ascetics stood at his door, saying~-'Dharmalābha'- ( which literally means the benefit of having religion ) The wife of Dhanapāla had been influenced by the nature of her husband, and hence, she refused to give food. Hearing this Dhanapāla said, 'It is improper on our part, if the ascetics go back from our house emptyhanded, hence give them some thing.” Then, the wife after giving them cooked food, offered to them curds At this, the ascetics asked-"How long has the curds been kept ?" These words added fuel to the anger of the woman, who in retort asked, “ Are there microbes in the curds? Are you more compassionate ?
The curds is of three days. Accept it, if you are in need of it, or leave the place ". The opportunity awaited for by the ascetics had now arrived. The proper time to enlighten Dhanapāla had now been obtained The ascetics replied in a quiet and steady voice, “ To inquire is the duty of an ascetic. The teachings of the learned, are never wrong If you are keen on knowing whether the germs have been produced in the curds of three days or not, just make an inquiry" in the meanwhile, Dhanapāla, after finishing his bath, had reached this spot. According to the directions of the ascetics, no soon the lac-dye was put into the curds than the microbes came to the surface. The vanity of Dhanapăla vanished, as he found an ordinary ascetic possessing such a knowledge. As the venom is removed by Nāgéndra hyme so was removed the poison of vanity of Dhanapäla. Then, on being inquired about their Quru, the ascetics informed Dhanapāla everything about Shobhana Müni Knowing that his brother had arrived there, Dhanapāla came to the residence. Shobhana Muni came out to welcome him Then, Dhanapala expressed his regret for the evil deed he had done, and repented for it. Then, he expressed his keen desire for the religion. Shobhana Muni expounded to
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