________________
236
CHAPTER TWO will ?” Närada reflected, “Now my desire is accomplished," and, his eyes and cheeks blooming with joy, said to Damitāri:
“Today I saw a marvelous thing, which does not exist even in heaven, as the result of wandering over the earth. I went to the city Subhā today for amusement and saw King Anantavīrya in his assembly. I saw a wonderful play acted before him by Barbarikā and Kirāti. I wander over both worlds, heaven and earth, from curiosity, and I have never seen such a marvelous play. Just as Sakra is the recipient of marvelous objects in Saudharma, so are you in this half-province. What is the use of your magic arts, of your power, of your splendor, of your command, of your kingdom, if you do not have that play brought here?"
After Muni Nārada had accomplished his purpose by this speech, like sowing seed in the ground, he departed quickly through the air.
Arrogant from his lordship over the three-part province, King Damitāri sent a messenger to Aparājita's brother. He went to the city śubhā, bowed to Anantavīrya and his elder brother and, eminent in discourse, spoke:
“Whatever remarkable object exists in this halfprovince, all that belongs to the overlord Damitāri, without doubt. Send your two slave-girls, Barbari and Kirāti, celebrated actresses, to Damitāri. Slaves, et cetera, belong to him who is lord of the entire kingdom. When a house is given, is a mere horse separated from it?"
Anantavīrya said, “Go now, messenger. I shall send the slave-girls soon, after a little consideration."
The messenger, delighted at this speech of Vişnu's, went quickly and reported to Damitāri, "Your command is as good as done."
Now Aparājita and Sarngin both took counsel, their anger concealed, like fire-pits with hidden fire. “He commands us in this way because of his aerial car and his strength from the acquisition of magic arts, but he is not superior to us. The magic arts, which were given to us
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
