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superseded by the one next named. The rule given last takes precedence in the case of two rules-one given first and one later."'884 Śakra said, "I give permission to whatever sadhus wander in my jurisdiction to consider it as their own, O Lord." When Hari had stopped, after saying this and paying homage to the Master's feet, the Lord of Bharata reflected again: "If my food, etc., was not noticed by these munis, nevertheless, I would accomplish my purpose to-day by permission for dwelling in my jurisdiction." Thinking this in his heart, the warmhearted King gave permission like Sakra, in the Master's presence. He asked Vāsava like a fellow-student, "What must I do now with that food, drink, etc?" "Give it to those who are superior in merit," Sakra said. He thought, "Who, except the sadhus, are superior in merit to me? Oh, I know. Certainly the laymen, both with and without worldly desire 885 are superior in merit to me. I must give it to them."
342
While considering what must be done, the Cakravartin observed Sakra's form with splendid appearance and said in astonishment, "Do you have such a form in heaven, or another form? For gods can change their forms as they like." The Lord of gods said, "O King, this is not the form we have there. That form can not be
seen by mortals." Bharata said again, "O Sahasrākṣa, I have a very strong desire to see your (heavenly) form. Delight my eyes, O Indra, like the moon the cakora, by a sight of your divine form." "You are the best of men. Your request must not be in vain. So I shall show you one part of my body, O King." Saying this, Śunāsira showed his finger with suitable ornaments, sole light of the house of the world. When the King saw Mahendra's finger, shining with a brilliant light, he was delighted like the ocean when it sees the full
384 206. Haim. 7. 4. 118 f.
385 213. See App. III.
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