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N-17 as given in Dhamma, Vol. I. Part-11 (pp. 43-64). This legend of Gajasukumāla is a typical ascetic tale illustrating heroism inthe field of austerities and
forbearance. S. No. 27 : The Life of Ascetic Meghakumăra' is a brief summary
of the text as given in Dhamma, Vol. I, part II (pp. 139-195). Prince Megha, felt hurt at the treatment meted out to him by fellow-monks, regretted his decision to turn a monk. He disliked the wretched monkhood and felt that he should go back and lead the life of a householder. Mahavira, however, read his mind correctly, told him how in his earlier life as an elephant he had protected a hare by patiently holding up his foot and steadied him in the ascetic's life. The commentator rightly concludes: Mahurehim niunehim vaganehim coyayasti āyariya/ Si se Kahimci khalie, jaha mehamunim mahāviro // "Acāryas on finding that their disciple has strayed from the right path use sweet and clever or kind words (and steady them in the right path) as Mahāvira did in the
case of Prince Megha". S. No. 28 : is based on Näyá, Ch. VIII; Dhamma, Vol. I, Part I, pp.
44-87. Winternitz prefaces his surnmary of this chapter with the remark: "In Chapter 8, the legend of Malli, the only female Tirthakara is told, with that morality wich, though sickly to our taste, is so characteristic of the monastic conception of life", (p. 447) and adds at the end of his summary: "It is a favourtie theme in Jinist legends in general, as in this particular instance, to follow up the fate of persons through various rebirths." (p. 448). 'Mohanagrha' : Malli got this "Puzzling house"
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