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CHAPTER THREE
because of which you now give orders to separate me from you? Suppose there has been some lack of devotion, still it is not (cause) for this lack of favor. A child though failing in devotion is taught, but not deserted, by those entitled to respect. What is the use of a tree, though tall, if it gives no shade? Or of a cloud, though risen, if it has no water? Or of a mountain, though lofty, if it has no cascades ? Or of a body, though well-shaped, if devoid of beauty? Or of a blooming flower, if it has no fragrance ? What use is the kingdom to me if it is without you?
I will not leave the feet of you who are free from worldly connections, free from desire, longing for emancipation, O Lord. Why speak of taking the kingdom? Kingdom, sons, wives, friends, retinue-all these are easy to abandon like straw. Your feet are difficult for me to abandon. O Lord, just as I became heir-apparent when you became king, so I shall become your disciple now when you take the vow. Begging alms is better than sovereignty to a disciple devoted to day and night service to the teacher's lotus-feet. Even though ignorant, clinging to your feet I shall cross existence. For a foolish cow-herd can cross a river by holding to a cow's tail. With you I shall take initiation; with you I shall wander; with you I shall endure trials 151 hard to endure; with you I shall endure attacks,152 O Teacher of the Three Worlds. I shall not remain here at all. Favor me."
Then Ajita Svamin said to Sagara, who had agreed only to service, in a voice gushing with nectar: "Persistence in acquiring self-restraint is certainly suitable, dear brother. However, your karma which has pleasure as its fruit
151 154. Parişaha. See above, pp. 22 ff.
152 155. Upasarga. These are frequently associated with the parişahas, but arise from quite different sources. In the Uv. 119, they are said to arise from gods, men, and animals. In the Sth., one's own body is added to the sources, and each source has four subdivisions, making 16 kinds of attacks. Sthānanga 777, com., p. 523. See Hoernle, Uv. App. III, p. 47.
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