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CHAPTER SIX
ignorant, the wealth of your teaching was not acquired for themselves. Whoever has given you a glance with the appearance of a firebrand, 166 may the fire visibly-or, enough of this talk. Whoever think there is equality of your doctrine with other doctrines, nectar and poison are the same to them, their minds lost, alas! Let them be deaf and dumb, who are jealous of you. In evil acts defectiveness leads to auspicious consequences (in future). Homage to them; this añjali to them; we worship those by whom the mind is sprinkled daily with the nectar of your teaching. Homage to this world in which the tips of the nails of your feet have been crest-jewels for a long time. What more can we say? I have a (fruitful) birth; I am blessed; I am satisfied, since I have been frequently eager for the beauty of your collection of virtues. "
162
Story of Meghakumāra (375-407)
When Śrenika had finished, having recited this hymn of praise, the Supreme Lord delivered a sermon resembling a shower of nectar. After he had heard the Lord's sermon Śreņika adopted right-belief, but Abhayakumāra and others assumed the duties of laymen. At the end of the sermon, bowing to the Lord of the World, King Śrenika, delighted, went home with his sons delighted by the master's speech. Prince Meghakumāra, making the añjali with respect, declared to Śreņika and Dhāriņi in a noble speech:
"I have been guarded and cherished by you both for a long time. Indeed, I was a trouble to you. Nevertheless, I ask this: I am terrified of worldly existence which is burdened with infinite pain. The Arhat himself, the deliverer from worldly existence, is here. So give your permission today for me to become a mendicant now at the feet of Sri Vira, the refuge of those who fear worldly existence." They said: "The vow is not easily kept, certainly. How will you, a delicate youth, do this, prince?"
166 369. I.e., red from jealousy.
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