________________
INITIATION, AND OMNESCIENCE OF ŚRI PĀRŚVA 385 frown, spoke a very firm speech, terrifying like the noise of a thunderbolt. “Who is this wretched Yavana? Or what fear is there, so long as I live? I shall march with an army to protect the city Kuśasthala." With these words, Aśvasena had the drum sounded and his soldiers assembled quickly at its sound.
Defense of Prasenajit (105–172) Pārsva, piaying in a playhouse, heard the sound of the drum and the noise of the soldiers assembling at that time. Saying, “What is this?” Pārsva, perplexed, went to his father's side and he saw the generals ready for battle coming there. After bowing to his father, the prince said decisively: “Has a demon, a Yakşa, a Rākşasa, or some one else transgressed? On account of which there is this exertion of the father himself, powerful? I do not see anyone your equal or your superior.”
Pointing to Purusottama, Aśvasena said, “ King Prasenajit must be protected from King Yavana.” Again the prince said: “ Compared with the father there is no god nor asura in battle. Of what importance is this King Yavana in the matter? Enough of the father's going. I shall go myself. I shall at once give a lesson to him who does not know (his own) strength.”
Aśvasena said: “Son, my mind is pleased by your festival of sport, not by injurious battle-marches, et cetera. I know the strength of arm, capable of conquering the three worlds, of my own son, but my delight is in you playing in the house."
Pārsvanātha replied: “ This is play for me, father. There is no measure of effort in it. So let Your Honor remain right here."
At his son's insistence like this, knowing his strength of arm, he agreed to that speech devoid of anything objectionable. Dismissed by his father, Sri Pārsva, mounted on an elephant, followed by Purusottama, set out at an auspicious moment from the festival. When the lord had gone one day's march, 49 N
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
