________________
290
CHAPTER TEN which arises from destruction of karma 280 and the bodymaking karma of a tīrthakệt.281 Age-karma, suitable for the third hell, has been taken by you, having risen from the seventh hell, and at the end you will make it firm.”282
Krşņa said: “Blessed One, I shall pay homage to you again so that my hellish-age karma will break completely, as before.” The Master said: “That would be material homage of yours from pious conduct, but fruit is obtained only from spiritual homage, not otherwise.” Kțşņa asked about the fruit to Vīraka and the Lord said: “ His fruit is bodily austerities. He pays homage in accordance with your wish.”
After bowing to the Blessed One, meditating on the Blessed One's words, Kṛṣṇa and his retinue went to the city Dvārakā.
Story of Dhandhana (249–270)
Krşņa's son by his wife Dhandhaņā, named Dhandhaņa, married many princesses, when he was grown. One day, after listening to dharma at the Master's side, his mind disgusted with existence, he took initiation, and his father held his departure-festival. He wandered with the Master and was esteemed by the sādhus. As he was so occupied, his obstructive-karma matured. Wherever he went, he obtained nothing at all there; and it was the same with the munis who went with him.
Then the sādhus declared to Neminātha: “ Dhandhana, Kșşņa's son, disciple of the Lord of Three Worlds, does not receive alms in a city with a generous population of rich coreligionists. What is the reason for that, Master?”
The Master related: “In the past there was a Brāhman, named Parāśara, the king's agent in the village Dhānyapüraka in the Magadhas. One day he had the king's fields sowed by
280 243. See I, p. 204. 281 243. See I, p. 408. 282 244. See I, pp. 402, 404, 409.
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