________________
SUMATINĀTHACARITRA
283 King's request. As king the Master spent twenty-nire lacs of pūrvas and twelve argas as pleasantly as if in Vaijayanta.
Initiation (203-210) Self-enlightened and aroused by the Lokäntika-gods, Lord Sumati made the distribution of gifts lasting for a year, as he wished to take initiation. At the end of the year's giving, the Master's initiation-ceremony was arranged by the Våsavas, whose thrones had shaken, and kings. Then the Lord got into the palanquin named Abhayakarā and, accompanied by gods, asuras, and kings, went to Sahasrāmravaňa. On the ninth day of the white fortnight of Vaišākha in the forenoon, (the moon being) in the constellation Maghã, he became a mendicant with one thousand kings whose devotion was unceasing. The knowledge, called 'mind-reading,' arose in the Master, as if it were a younger brother or dear friend of initiation. The Master broke his fast with rice-pudding on the next day in Vijayapura at the house of King Padma. The gods made the five divine things, a stream of treasure, etc.; and King Padma made a jeweled platform for worship. Observing numerous resolutions, enduring trials, the Master wandered over the earth for twenty years.
Omniscience (211-213) One day, the Lord, wandering in villages, mines, etc., came to Sahasrãmravaņa, the place where he took initiation. As the Lord was engaged in meditation at the foot of a priyangu, after he had mounted the ladder of destruction from the eighth guṇasthāna, his destructive karmas fell apart. On the eleventh day of the bright half of Caitra, the moon being in conjunction with Maghā, brilliant omniscience arose in the Master who had fasted for two days.
Knowing that from the shaking of their thrones, the Indras came with the gods and asuras and made a samavasaraņa for the Master's preaching. The Lord entered by
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
