Trishasti Shalaka Purusa Caritra Part 2

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

Page 215

190
CHAPTER SIX knowing ‘Everything in existence, the family, etc., is seen in a moment and disappears in a moment,' are not deluded.
Story of the expert magician (220–379) Once upon a time there lived a king in a certain city in Bharatakşetra in this same Jambūdvipa. He was the harsa of the pool of Jinadharma, a traveler on the road of good conduct, a cloud to the peacocks of subjects, an ocean for maintaining boundaries, a fire for the dry grass of all calamities, the sole tree for the creeper of compassion, a mountain for the river of fame, the only Rohaņa for the jewel of good behavior. One day, when he was seated comfortably in his assembly, at a suitable moment the door-keeper announced :
Some man at the door, holding a wreath in his hand, who appears to know the arts, wishes to see Your Majesty in order to tell something now. Whether he is a pundit or a poet, a musician or an actor, whether he knows the Vedas or state-craft, or military science or sorcery, that is not known. But it is known by his appearance that he is a person of ability. Even children are taught, “ Where there is good appearance, there is ability."')
The king ordered, “Bring him in quickly that he may say what he wants as he likes.'
Admitted by the door-keeper at the king's command, the man then entered the king's assembly, like Mercury the orbit of the sun. One should not see the master with empty hands,' and he handed the king the wreath of flowers, like a garland-maker. Then with hands folded submissively, he sat down in the place indicated by the door-keeper on a suitable seat given by the seat-servants. With one eye-brow slightly raised, his lips blossoming with smiles, the king spoke graciously to him:
'Sir, from what caste are you, brāhman, ksatriya, vaisya, or śudra ? Or are you from the mixed castes,