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CHAPTER THREE
infantry and chariots, which were like the waves in the ocean, in Ajita Svāmin's army. Elephant-riders, horsemen, charioteers, infantry were merely insignia of rank of the Lord abounding in strength of arm. The Lord did not take pride in unique power; he was not arrogant from unequaled strength of arm; he did not consider himself fortunate because of his beauty, though incomparable; he was not intoxicated by his extensive possessions ; he was not proud because of the other sources of pride,140 either; but, on the contrary, considered everything like straw, knowing their impermanence. Thus directing the kingdom, the Lord passed happily fifty-three lacs of pūrvas from youth.
Initiation (121-288) One day, after he had dismissed the council, the Master, possessing the three kinds of knowledge, went to a secluded spot, and reflected as follows:
" How long henceforth must I remain a householder, turned away from my own business because of the pleasurefruit almost consumed ? 'I must defend this country; must guard this city; preserve these villages; protect these people. These elephants must be reared; these horses fed; these servants must be maintained; these petitioners satisfied; these attendants supported; these suppliants protected; these pandits talked to; these friends entertained; these ministers must be favored; these relatives elevated; these wives made happy; and these sons cared for.'
Confused by other people's business by such thoughts every moment, a human being wastes his whole human birth without fruit. Because of the business of these people, not considering what is fitting or unfitting, bewildered like an animal, he commits various evils. The people for whose sake a foolish man commits evils do not follow him at all when he goes on the road to death. If they
149 119. See I, n. 391.
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