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INITIATION, AND OMNISCIENCE OF SRI PĀRSVA 391
are the ruler, have protection and prosperity. But the request for something hard to obtain alone troubles me now. It will be accomplished by your favor, elephant of kings. Take my daughter, Prabhavati, for Prince Pārśvanatha from regard for me, king. Do not do otherwise."
Aśvasena said: "Our Prince Pārśva has always been disgusted with worldly existence. I do not know what he will do. That desire of ours, too, is always in our heart: When will our son's marriage-festival with a suitable bride take place?' Now from affection for you we shall make Pārśvanatha marry, even by force, though he has been unwilling from childhood." With these words, the king went with him to Pārśva and said, "Marry Prasenajit's daughter." Sri Pärśva said: "Father, possession of wives, et cetera is a life-saver of the tree of worldly existence even when it is almost destroyed. How can I marry his daughter for undertaking worldly existence? I intend to cross the ocean of worldly existence, completely free of possessions."
Aśvasena said: "Fulfill our wish characterized by marriage with King Prasenajit's daughter. The ocean of existence must certainly be crossed by you who have such an intention. You should act for your own advantage at the right time, after marrying and having a son." Pārśva was not able to transgress his father's command and he married Prabhavati to destroy pleasure-karma. At the people's insistence, the Lord passed the days, sporting with her in gardens, pleasure-peaks,
et cetera.
One day Pārśva, occupying the terrace on the top of the palace, began to watch the city Vārāṇasī from curiosity. The Lord saw men and women of the city going outside in haste, carrying baskets of flowers as offerings. Pārśva asked his attendants, "What great festival is there today that the people, wearing many ornaments, are seen going in haste?" Some one explained: "Today there is no great festival, but another reason is present, Majesty. Today an ascetic, named Kaṭha, has come here outside the city. He is observing the penance
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