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CHAPTER SIX
‘Do not be afraid at the thought, “I have humiliated the king and king's councilors." O Brāhman, you are my greatest benefactor. By you showing this sorcery today, I have been taught the worthlessness of samsāra equal to that. Just as water was made to appear and disappear instantly by you, just so are all objects. What pleasure now is there in samsāra ?'
Beginning so, the king recited the faults of samsāra for a long time, satisfied the Brāhman, and adopted mendicancy himself.
This birth, resembling sorcery, has been illustrated by us. You yourself, moon of the family of the All-knowing, know, O lord.” Story of the magician in the form of a Vidyadhara
(381-522) The second minister, Vācaspatimati, related to the chief of kings a story that was a specific for the arrow of sorrow:
“Once upon a time there lived a king, a mine of virtues, discernment, etc., in a certain city in this same Bharatakşetra. One day a man skilled in the practice of magic was announced by the door-keeper to the king in his assembly. The pure-minded king did not allow his admission. There is no friendship between magicians and honest men, who are like eternal enemies. Abashed by the refusal, after passing several days, he made a change in his appearance, changing his form at will like a god.
One day he approached the same king, coming through the air, carrying a sword and shield, accompanied by a fine woman. Who are you? Who is she? Why have you come ?' asked by the king himself, the man said:
'I am a Vidyādhara, and this Vidyādhara-woman is my wife. I am at enmity with a certain Vidyadhara, O king. For she was formerly carried away by that man, lustful after women, evil-souled, by trickery like the nectar
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