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EMANCIPATION OF AJITA SVĀMIN AND SAGARA 215
touched him on the back with the hand when he came, after executing his orders, and was bowing to him. Sagara said to Bhagiratha with affection and pride, "You are a boy in years, but you are the first of the elders in judgment.
Do not say, I am a boy.' Take the weight of the
kingdom from us, that we, freed from the burden, may cross the ocean of existence. Even if existence is hard to cross, like the ocean Svayambhuramaṇa, yet I also have confidence in the thought, 'It has been crossed, nevertheless, by my ancestors.' Child, this burden of the kingdom was taken over by their sons. Then observe the path shown by them. Support the earth."
Bhagiratha, bowing, said to his grandfather, "It is fitting that the father should wish to adopt mendicancy which leads across existence. But, O master, this person also is eager for the vow. Do not show me disfavor by the favor of the gift of the kingdom."
The Cakravartin said, "The VOW is fitting in our family. But the vow to observe the elder's command is stronger than that. Take mendicancy at the right time like me, noble sir. Impose the earth on your own son when he is of military age."
After hearing this, Bhagiratha remained silent for a long time, his mind swayed by fear of breaking his elder's command and by fear of existence. Then Sagara seated Bhagiratha on his own lion-throne and installed him in the kingdom at that time with extreme joy.
Initiation of Sagara (616-658)
Then garden-overseers approached the Cakrin in haste and announced that the Lord Ajita was in a samavasaraṇa in a garden outside (the city). Then there was exceeding joy to the Cakrin from the coronation of his grandson and the arrival of Ajita Svāmin in succession. Though remaining there, he got up, and bowed to the Lord of the World as if he were present, and praised him aloud with the Sakrastava. The Cakrin gave twelve and
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