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EMANCIPATION OF AJITA SVĀMIN AND SAGARA
211
especially by my grandson. Then you must act with courtesy suitable to the recipient. A high degree of merit is produced from courtesy even from a man without power. Courtesy of a powerful man is like fragrance of gold, like unspotted beauty of the full moon. You must show respect to gods, asuras, Nāgas, etc., according to the place, at the very beginning of the work. Respect to those deserving respect is not a fault, but lack of respect is a fault, like heat for a bilious person. Gods and demons, submissive, were treated with respect even by Cakrin Bharata, the son of Rşabha Svāmin. The same respect which was shown to gods, etc. by him, though being powerful, must be shown as family-conduct."
Illustrious Bhagiratha said, “Very well.” Instruction to one well-bred naturally is like painting on a good wall. Handing over the staff-jewel like his own powerful dignity, Sagara kissed Bhagiratha on the head and dismissed him. Bowing to the Cakrin's lotus-feet, Bhagiratha departed with the staff-jewel, like a cloud with lightning. Surrounded by the Cakrin's great army and by the countrypeople, Bhagiratha looked like Śakra with his armies and citizens.858 Gradually Bhagiratha reached Mt. Aștāpada surrounded by Mandākini, like Mt. Trikuța by the ocean. Bhagiratha, knowing the proper procedure, observed a three days' fast, directing it against the Nāgakumāra Jvalanaprabha. After the three days' fast had been completed, Jvalanaprabha, the lord of the Nāgakumāras, graciously approached Bhagiratha. After the master of the Nāgakumāras had been worshipped elaborately by him with perfumes, incense, and wreaths, he said, “What can I do?"
Then Bhagiratha, brilliant,854 addressed J valanaprabha courteously in a voice deep as the sound of the ocean :
868 558. Prakirņaka. See above, p. 125.
864 563. I suspect the text here. Perhaps saprabho should be emended to saprabhao. It would apply better to Jvalanaprabha.
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