Trishasti Shalaka Purusa Caritra Part 2

Author(s): Hemchandracharya, Helen M Johnson
Publisher: Oriental Research Institute Vadodra

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CHAPTER ONE tree 27, was there! By destruction by force of the kingdoms of other kings, my conduct from birth has had only taking what was not given. Immersed in an ocean of pleasure continually, I practiced incontinence like a disciple of Manmatha. For so long a time I, dissatisfied with objects obtained, longing for unobtainable objects, have been in a deep stupor from delusion. Even one of (the sins) injury, etc., is cause for an evil condition of existence. The touching of one candāla would cause untouchability. Consequently I shall obtain freedom from the whole five,
struction of life, etc., in the presence of a preceptor today, because of disgust with existence. Furthermore, I shall transfer the burden of the kingdom to the prince who is of military age, like the sun its own heat to fire in the evening. You must show great devotion to the prince just as to me. But enough of such instruction. For that is the conduct of the noble."
Then the ministers said : “O master, people never have such thoughts unless emancipation is near. Your ancestors, whose commands were unbroken from birth, like Indras in power, conquered the earth. All, their powers undetermined, 28 dismissed the kingdom like spittle and took the vow purified by the three jewels. Your Majesty bore the burden of the earth by your own powers. We were ornaments of it like plantain-pillars in a house. Just as Your Majesty's empire came by inheritance, so has this taking of the vow boldly and without desire for reward.29 The prince also is able to bear the burden of the earth as easily as a toy-lotus, like Your Majesty's second self. If he approves, let the lord take
27 155. I.e., the palm tree with its very narrow leaves gives little shade.
28 165. Or perhaps aniścita can be interpreted as 'unlimited.'
29 167. Nidāna is to practice penance or observe a vow with the intention of gaining a reward for it. It was often made by some one in order to gain the power of punishing an enemy in a future birth. It is forbidden in Jain dharma.