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EMANCIPATION OF AJITA SVĀMIN AND SAGARA 217 it ? Protect, protect me from falling into the pit of worldly existence filled with many troubles. Give initiation. Favor me, O Lord of the World. So much of this life of mine has been wasted fruitless by me confused by the pleasures of worldly existence, O Master, like a child lacking in discernment.”
The Blessed One gave his permission to Sagara, who stood with folded hands after this speech, to take initiation.
Then Bhagiratha arose, bowed to the Blessed One, and made the following request of the kalpa-tree for requests : "The Master will give initiation to my father, but wait a little until I can hold the departure-festival. Even if there is no interest in festivals, etc. on the part of those wishing emancipation, nevertheless the father will do this to oblige
me.”
Sagara, though eager, went to the city again to oblige him, after bowing to the Teacher of the World. Bhagiratha made the initiation-bath of Sagara seated on the lion-throne, like Puruhūta that of the Arhat. Rubbed with a perfumed reddish cloth, anointed with gośirşa-sandal, Sagara put on two auspicious, divine garments. Then he, whose ornament was virtue, ornamented with his body the divine ornaments brought by the gods. After distributing money to beggars according to their wishes, Sagara, provided with white umbrella and chauris, got into the lofty palanquin. At every market, every house, every cross-roads in the city the citizens put platforms, pennants, arches, etc. With many auspicious things joyhully prepared with full dishes, etc. by townspeople and country-people here and there, being looked at again and again, being praised again and again, being worshipped again and again, being followed again and again, the Cakrin, though in a hurry, went slowly because of the people's importunity from the center of Vinīta, like the moon from the middle of the sky.
Followed by Bhagiratha, vassals, ministers with their retinues, and Vidyādharas Sagara went into the Jina's
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