________________
HO
awal
322
CHAPTER ONE Ocean of Milk? Anger, as well as love of strife, on the part of good persons should not exist. If it does exist, it should not last long. If it does last long, it is worthless in its results. Why do I say that in this case? Nevertheless, lord, I beg: Dismiss this anger suitable for other people. People like you are disposed equally towards evil-doers and benefactors."
In the meantime Citra learned of this and came to Muni Sambhūta to appease him like an elephant of the highest class with soothing words. His anger was extinguished by Citra's words in accordance with scripture like a forest-fire on a mountain by streams of water from clouds. The great muni freed from sharp anger, like the full moon from darkness, instantly reached serenity. After they had paid homage and asked his forgiveness the people left him; and Muni Citra led Sambhūta to the garden. They felt remorse that a great calamity had been caused by them wandering from house to house for the sake of mere food. “This body is transient, nourished by food. What use have ascetics for this body or for food?” After coming to this decision and undertaking voluntary starvation 309 first, they rejected the four kinds of
food.
The king wished to know, “Who has insulted a sādhu, while I am ruling the earth?” and some one informed him that it was the minister. “He is wicked who does not worship those who are entitled to worship. How much more he who beats them.” With these words, the king had him bound and led away like a thief. Saying, “May no one else abuse, sādhus," he, pure-minded, led him bound through the city into the presence of the sādhus. Bowing and making the earth consist of water, as it were, by the dazzling light of the king's headjewels, the chief of kings paid homage to them. Their mouths covered with mouth-cloths held in their left hands, their right hands upraised, they gave him a blessing. Saying, “Whoever has injured you, let him partake of the fruit of his acts," King
309 85. Samlekhanā. See I. p. 357.
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