Trishasti Shalaka Purusa Caritra Part 1

Author(s): Hemchandracharya, Helen M Johnson
Publisher: Oriental Research Institute Vadodra

Page 361

340 After this praise of the Lord of the World, the Lord of Bharata bowed and sat down behind Hari (Sakra), like a Sāmānika-god. The men sat behind the gods, and behind the men the women stood. So the fourfold congregation was inside the first wall, like the fourfold dharma in the faultless teaching of the Master. Inside the second wall stood the joyful animals. Even though (naturally) hostile, they were like affectionate brothers toward each other. Again, inside the third wall were rows of the animals used to convey the kings, etc., who had come, their ears pricked up to hear the sermon. The Master of the Three Worlds delivered a sermon in speech conforming to every dialect, in a voice deep as thunder. Animals, men, and gods listened to the sermon joyfully, as if freed from the load of attachment; as if they had reached the desired abode (mokşa); as if they had the bath-festival made; as if engaged in meditation; as if they had attained the position of Ahamindra; as if they had attained the absolute.
Acceptable food and avagraha (189–226) At the end of the sermon, Bharata thought to himself with remorse at the sight of his brothers who had taken the great vows: “What have I done, taking the kingdoms from my brothers-I, never satisfied, like a fire! I am giving wealth to others which has pleasure as its fruit. That is without fruit to me foolish, like a sacrifice in ashes. Even a crow lives, summoning other crows and giving them food, etc. Therefore, I, inferior to the crows, enjoy pleasures without them. Would that, by my good fortune, they would take pleasures being given again, like ascetics taking alms after fasting for a month."
After these reflections, at the feet of the Teacher of the World Bharata with folded hands invited his brothers to enjoyment. The Lord advised him : "O honesthearted King, your noble brothers have professed the