________________
422
CHAPTER FOUR died and, because you were subject to cruel meditation, you became a hell-inhabitant in the sixth hell. Vasantasenā entered the fire, grieved by the separation, died, and was born at that time in the same hell. You, having risen from hell, became the son in the house of a poor man in Bharata in Puşkaradvīpa and she became a daughter of a caste equal to his. The marriage of the two took place when they were grown and, though the pain of poverty was present, you two sported constantly.
One day you two were at home and saw some sadhvīs. Getting up with devotion, you presented them with food and drink zealously. Questioned, the sadhvis said, “Our head is Bālacandrā and there is shelter in the house of Sheth Vasu.' At the end of the day, you two went there, your minds purified, and were taught dharma completely by the head-nun, Bālacandrā. You both adopted lay-dharma at her feet and, after death, became gods with a life of nine sāgaras in Brahmaloka. After falling, you became these two (you are now). You made severe separation of animals in your Bhillabirth and she approved it. By the maturing of that (karma) you experienced the death of your wives, separation, and the pains of capture, imprisonment, et cetera. For the maturing of karma is painful.”
Bandhudatta bowed again and said to the Blessed One: “In future where shall we go and how long will our existence be?” The Master replied: “ After death, you will go to Sahasrāra. Falling, you will be a cakrin in East Videha and she will be your chief-queen. After enjoying the pleasures of the senses for a long time and after becoming mendicants, both will go to emancipation.” Hearing that, Bandhudatta and Privadarśanā took the vow at that very time under the M: Śrī Pārsva.
One day a king, a lord of nine treasures,379 went to pay homage to Pārśva who had stopped in a samavasaraņa near
379 298. For the nine treasures, see I, pp. 252 f.
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
