Trishasti Shalaka Purusa Caritra Part 1

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

Page 95

74
is incurable like a powerful disease that has existed for a long time. My Father is its healer. But what need to say more? He alone is the destroyer of all pain, the sole producer of happiness, an ocean of nectar of compassion. Since the Master is like that, alas! through negligence arising from delusion, we ourselves have deceived ourselves for so long a time.” Then in a voice choked from devotion, the Cakravartin announced to the Cakravartin of dharma who had come: "For a long time my mind has been injured by books on statecraft devoted to the acquisition of wealth, just as a ploughed field is injured by kusa grass.108 In the same way, desiring worldly pleasures, like an actor I have long made my soul play parts always with karma as a costume. For this sovereignty of mine is dependent on wealth and love. Whatever dharma is considered here is allied with evil. Even though I am my Father's son, if I wander here in the ocean of existence, what deeds of prowess would I, just like every one else, have to my credit ? Just as I have taken care of this kingdom I received from you, so I will take care of the empire of self-control. Give it to me.”
After he had made the kingdom subject to his son, the Cakravartin--the sun in the sky of his own family, took the vow under the Blessed One. His brothers, Bāhu and the rest, took the vow at that time. For what their father and elder brother had taken came to them by inheritance. The charioteer, Suyasas, following his master, became a mendicant at the feet of the charioteer of dharma. For servants follow their masters. Vajranābha instantly became completely acquainted with the ocean of scriptures, just as if the twelve angas 109 visible to the
108 828. Kuśa, or darbha, is Poa cynosuroides, a sacred grass used in some sacrificial ceremonies. It is considered very undesirable in cultivated ground.
109 836. The traditional original Jain canon.
Jain Education International.