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CHAPTER SIX
Leading of the Gangā to the Eastern Ocean (533–576)
While Cakrin Sagara was saying this, the countrypeople living near Aşțāpada came to the door. Cakrabhịt Sagara had them, who were groaning aloud,“ Protect us ! Protect us !” summoned by the door-keeper. Questioned by the Cakravartin, “Well! what is the matter ?” the villagers made their bows together and explained :
“The Gangā which was brought by the princes by means of the staff-jewel to fill the moat of Mt. Aștāpada, O king, instantly filled it hard to fill like Pātāla, and transgresses both banks like an unchaste woman two families.362 It has begun to flood villages, mines, cities, etc., in the neighborhood of Așțāpada, like the ocean spread out. Even now the end of the world is at hand for us. So tell us, where can we live free from calamity ? "
Then Cakrin Sagara summoned his grandson Bhagiratha and instructed him in a voice containing the essence of affection :
“ The Gangā is wandering now, as if crazy, through villages, etc., after filling the moat of Așțāpada. Draw her by the staff-jewel and cast her into the Eastern Ocean; for the water to which no road has been shown goes on the wrong road like a blind man. Extraordinary strength, power predominant in the world, a very strong force of elephants, cavalry known to all, very courageous infantry, and also a large chariot-force, very great prestige, unbounded skill in weapons, the acquisition of divine weapons
—just as these are able to destroy the insolence of enemies, so they are able to produce the insolence of one's self.
Insolence is the chief of all faults, the sole abode of calamities, the sole remover of wealth, the maker of evil fame, the destroyer even of the family, the thief of all joys, the assailant of other people, an enemy arising from (one's own) body. Therefore, insolence must be destroyed like a serpent by men, even ordinary ones, of good conduct, and
862 537. Her husband's and father's.
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