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194
STUDIES IN THE BHAGAWATI SUTRA
[Ch. IV
So they, being disappointed, finally permitted his leaving the world to undertake the ascetic life.
Even in a low family like that of the houseless Mankha couple. Mankbali and Bhadrāl there is found an account of the natural parental love towards their only son, Gośāla Mankhali. putra in full brim of their hearts, as it is manifested in their loving care and attention for him with their meagre means. Because the child is the beam of light of happiness, rich in meaning and hope even in a poorest family.
The Bhs clearly shows that. very cordial relation existed between the parents and the son in the family life at that period. But in one case, as already pointed out in connection with royal succession in the third chapter on Political conditions', it is learnt that a disgruntled son, like the prince Abhijit Kumāra' entertained a feeling of animosity towards his father, king Udāyana af Sindhu-Sauvīra, for he was deprived by his father of his rightful claim to the throne according to the law of primoge
ture. The king placed his nephew, Kesīkumāra in the affairs of his kingdom instead of his own son, the natural heir-apparent to the throne on the ground of his spiritual welfare.
The prince, Abhijit Kumāras submitted to the pious wish of his father with a wounded feeling without showing any sign of revolting attitude and disrespect towards him.
The text also throws light upon the happy relatioaship existing among the other members of the family, and friends (mitta), kinsmen (nāti) one's own man (niyaga) blood relations (sayana, brother-in-law (sambandlii) and attendants or dependents (pariyana)', as it is evidenced in the common family gatherings, taking of meals together and entertainments on the occasions of the social or religious ceremonies, such as, the celebrations of the birth of a new born child', of marriage, of consecration, and of departure for undertaking the state of houselessness', etc
i Bhs, 15, 1, 540. ? 16, 13, 6, 491. 9 lb, 13, 6, 492. 4 16, 3, 1, 134 ; 9, 33, 385 ; 11, 9, 417; 11, 11, 429, 16, 5, 577; 18, 2, 618.
Ib, 11, 11, 429. 10, 11, 11, 430. 7 10, 3, 1, 134; 3, 2, 144 ; 9, 33, 385 ; 11, 9, 417; 13, 6, 491;
16, 5, 577 ; 18, 2, 618.
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