Trishasti Shalaka Purusa Caritra Part 2

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

Page 206

EMANCIPATION OF AJITA SVĀMIN AND SAGARA 181 monkey with emaciated cheeks, stepping very slowly, entered the Cakrin's house. Then the Cakrin himself, compassionate, questioned him :
“Did some one somewhere steal some gold from you ? Or did some one steal jewels or garments? Or did some one, breaking a trust, conceal a trust? Or has some village-policeman, etc., injured you, or did some customsofficer oppress you by seizing a wealth of merchandise ? Or has some kinsman inflicted humiliation on you, or has some one ruined you by running away with your wife ? Does some powerful enemy attack you, or some mental ailment afflict you, or some severe disease ? Does poverty, very easily acquired by the twice-born castes, trouble you, or does something else cause you pain ? Tell me, great Brāhman."
At once stopping his fictitious, unwearied tears like an actor, the Brāhman replied to the King, his hands folded submissively:
“O King, this land of Bharata with six divisions is ruled by you resplendent with justice and power, like heaven by the king of the gods. No one steals gold, jewels, etc., from any one else. Rich men sleep even in the (open) space between villages as in their own houses. No one conceals a deposit like his own good family. The village-policemen, etc., guard the people like their own sons. Even on the surplus wealth to be found, the customsofficers take a duty in proportion to the goods, like a fine in proportion to the crime. After taking their inheritance, heirs do not disagree again, like pupils who have attained the highest doctrines in regard to their teacher. The whole people, devoted to good behavior, consider other men's wives like sisters, like daughters, like daughters-in-law, like mothers. There is no unfriendly talk in your kingdom like a monastery. There is no mental distress among your people filled with contentment, as there is no heat in water. There is no disease on the earth provided with all medicinal herbs, as there is no thirst in the rainy season.