Trishasti Shalaka Purusa Caritra Part 3

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

Page 36

SREYAŃSANATHACARITRA
fortunately afford protection to a high degree, God of gods. Just as there is no ornament to me in the form of this crown, et cetera, Lord, so there are ornaments from the rays from your toe-nails falling on top of my head. 14 Just as there is no joy to me praised by bards, Lord of the Three Worlds, so there is joy to me praising your virtues. Just as I have no joy seated on the lion-throne in the assembly, so I have much joy seated on the ground in front of you. I do not desire independence resulting from self-government. May I be for a long time subject to another with you as lord, Lord.”
After this hymn of praise, Hari took the Lord, went into the presence of the Arhat's mother, removed the Arhat's image and the sleeping-charm, and put him down. Sakra went from the Master's birth-house and the other Indras went from Mt. Meru to their respective abodes, like dismissed worshippers.
Life before initiation (85–92) At dawn Vişnurāja held a great festival. Then there was joy spread like one umbrella over the earth. On an auspicious day the Jina's father and mother named him Sreyansa at a great festival. Cherished by five nurses appointed by Sakra, sucking his thumb which had nectar injected by Sakra, the Master grew up. Though he had the three kinds of knowledge, the Lord assumed simplicity suitable for a child. Even the sun does not attain heat at dawn. Playing with gods, asuras, and mortals in the form of boys, the Master gradually reached youth from childhood, like mounting an elephant from a chariot.
Eighty bows tall, the Master married princesses at his father's insistence, even though he felt disgust with existence. When twenty-one lacs of years had passed after his birth, at his father's request the Lord took the burden of the kingdom. Śreyānsa, the depository of good
14 79. Bowed at the Lord's feet,