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ABHINANDANACARITRA
265 samsāra made terrible by the blazing flames of the forestfire of pain there is no protection for any creature like a young deer in a forest. There is no protection against death by means of the eightfold Ayurveda, 406 by lifegiving remedies, by charms overcoming death, etc. A king, even though in the midst of a cage of swords, though surrounded by a fourfold army, is seized with violence by the servants of Yama, like a poor man. Just as cattle do not know any remedy against death, neither do wise men. Alas! the confusion in regard to remedies ! The same ones who, equipped only with swords, free the earth from obnoxious persons, put their fingers in their mouths, 407 terrified at Yama's frown. Even for munis devoid of evil it is never possible to prevent death by vows resembling sword-blades. Alas! the universe is without protection, without kings, without leaders, since it without a remedy is devoured by the Raksas Vama. Dharma, which is a remedy, is not so against death, but it is known as a helper because it grants a good state of existence (gati). Then let us struggle for the fourth object of existence, for eternal bliss, by adopting the method characterized by mendicancy.”
Founding of the congregation (150–156) From this sermon men and women in general adopted mendicancy. There were a hundred and sixteen gaṇabhrts, Vajranābha, etc. After giving them permission for exposition and for the gañas according to rule, the Lord delivered a sermon consisting of instruction. The Master told them the 'three-steps,' origination, perishing, and permanence. In accordance with the 'three-steps' they made the texts of the twelve angas. The Master stopped his sermon at the close of the watch. Then he threw up the oblation brought by the king, and gods, kings, and men took it in turn. Then
406 142. See I, n. 91. 407 145. A sign of submission,
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