Book Title: Trishasti Shalaka Purusa Caritra Part 1
Author(s): Hemchandracharya, Helen M Johnson
Publisher: Oriental Research Institute Vadodra
View full book text
________________
309
terrified of the coming battle, like men who had taken large bribes from the Lord of Bharata's soldiers, like enemies of our former births who have suddenly appeared. This battle-festival which had come was taken away by fate from us like a dish in front of those who have sat down for food, like a son from the couch of those approaching to caress, like a rope for pulling up from those leaving a well. What other opponent will there be, the equal of Bharata, by battle with whom we shall become free from debt to the master ? For no purpose, we take money from Bahubali, like heirs, like thieves, like sons of women living in their fathers' houses. Now this valor of our arms has gone in vain, like the fragrance of the blossoms of forest-trees. To no purpose we made a collection of missles, like eunuchs of women, and practice in swords like parrots the study of the sāstras. This infantry which we collected is without result, like knowledge of treatises on love on the part of ascetic-youths. In vain, too, did we, bereft of understanding, make these elephants practice fighting and the horses conquer fatigue. We thundered as vainly as autumn-clouds, and leered terribly as vainly as buffaloes. In vain this pregnancy of pride was equipped by us like people exhibiting a complete equipment, since the pregnancy-whim for fighting is unsatisfied.” Filled with the poison of depression at these thoughts, they went away making sūt-sounds, like serpents making phűt-sounds.
Then the Lord of Bharata, possessing a wealth of kşatriya-customs, sent away his own army, like the ocean the tide. When his soldiers had been sent away by the powerful Cakrin, they formed into groups here and there and reflected : “By the advice of what enemy, under pretext of being a minister, did the master consent to this duel, like an ordinary man? Fighting with the master, eating with buttermilk, 861 they are finished, alas! Henceforth,
861 545. Usually taken at the end of the meal by Indians, and a very important part of the diet.
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org