________________
THE INITIATION AND OMNISCIENCE OF AJITA
131
Sinhasena and others. Enlightening the bhavya-souls 275 in every village, city, and mine, an ocean of compassion, the Lord arrived one day at Kaušāmbi. To the northeast of it, the gods made the Lord's samavasaraṇa on ground a yojana in extent. Seated on a lion-throne under the aśoka tree in it, the Lord of the World delivered a sermon in the assembly consisting of gods, asuras and mortals.
Story of the Brāhman converts (851-934)
Then a Brāhman and his wife came, circumambulated the Teacher of the World, bowed, and sat down in the proper place. In the course of the conversation the Brāhman, his hands folded, asked, "How is this? O Blessed One?” The Lord replied: “This is the power of right-belief, the sole source of the warding-off of all worthless objects and the attainment of desirable objects. Because of it hostilities cease, like fire because of rain; all diseases disappear, like serpents because of garudas. Bad karma melts away like snow from the sun; desires are attained at once, as if by a thought-gem. The age-karma of a god 278 is bound, like a fine elephant by a fetter; gods are made near as if by a powerful charm. And yet, all this is insignificant fruit of right-belief; the important fruit is the rank of a TirthakȚt and even emancipation."
At hearing this, the Brāhman, delighted, with folded hands bowed, and said, "O Blessed One, that is so. The words of the Omniscient are not false.” Saying this, he became silent. The head of the gañadharas, though he knew himself, in order that the people might know, asked the Teacher of the World, “O Lord, what did he ask ? And what did you tell him ? This is like telling something by hints. Enlighten us clearly."
The Lord related : “Not very far from this city is a large village granted to Brāhmans, named Sāligrāma.
276 848. See I, n. 3. 276 856. See I, App. II.
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
