Trishasti Shalaka Purusa Caritra Part 1

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

Page 38

17
a king-goose, and penetrated with joy, began to speak thus: “When I invited you to go with me, 0 Blessed One, I showed zeal which was quite useless, like the thundering of clouds in autumn.24 From that time on, I never questioned you, nor paid my respects to you, nor aided you at any time with food, drink, clothes, etc. What have I done in my confusion, asleep though awake, since I, forgetful of my promise for a long, long time, have neglected you! Forgive my careless conduct, O Blessed One. For the great, like the earth, always bear everything." The Suri said, “Have you indeed not aided me by protection from wild beasts and robbers on the road? Your own caravan has given me suitable food, drink, etc. Therefore, we lacked nothing. Do not worry, sir." Dhana replied, "The good always see only good qualities. So to me, though I am sinful, Your Reverence speaks thus. I am completely ashamed of my own negligence. Please send sādhus so I can bestow food, as I desire." The Sūri said, “You know that' it will be according to circumstances. Food, etc., that has not been made, nor caused to be made, and is free from life, is suitable for us." "I shall give to the sādhus only that which is suitable," Dhana said, bowed, and went to his own abode.
Then just behind him came two sādhus, and by chance there was nothing, food, drink, etc., suitable for them. Searching here and there, the merchant himself saw some fresh ghee, pure as his own heart. “Here is something suitable," the caravan-chief said. Saying, “I accept it," the sādhu held out his dish. Thinking, "I am blessed, I have done my duty, I am virtuous," with the hair on his body erect from pleasure, he himself gave the ghee
24 127. In India, of course, there is no rain in the autumn.
25 135. The phrase Vartamāna yoga' is still used in reply to an invitation to come for alms. The sādhu will not commit him. self, as by doing so, some fault might be committed.
2