Trishasti Shalaka Purusa Caritra Part 6

Author(s): Hemchandracharya, Helen M Johnson
Publisher: Oriental Research Institute Vadodra

Page 222

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CHAPTER SEVEN Accordingly, she fasted and hanged herself with ease. She abandoned life like spittle and became a god. When I heard that she had died in this way, I thought: 'She, having a strong resolution, died from fear of breaking her vow. I, on the other hand, have broken the vow. So, enough of life for me.' According I fasted, died, and became a god.
Then I fell and was born a non-ārya devoid of dharma. Whoever enlightens me is my brother; he is my guru. I have been enlightened by the minister Abhaya because of some maturing of good fortune. Even now I am unfortunate since I am unable to see him. Either with or without my father's consent, I shall go to the land of the Aryas where my guru Abhaya is.”
Thus forming his desire, worshipping the statue of the first Arhat, Ārdrakā's son passed the days. One day, Ārdrakā's son said to the king, “ Father, I long for a meeting with Abhayakumāra.” King Ardraka said: “Indeed, you must not go. Son, the friendship of us occupying a high place is with Śreņika.” Restrained by his father's command, longing for Abhaya, then Ardrakakumāra did not stay (still) and did not go.
Shedding tears constantly like a cloud in Bhädrapada, his eyes down-cast, he continued to long for Abhaya. Whether engaged in sitting, lying, walking, eating, or other actions, he kept before his eyes the direction adorned by Abhaya. Wishing to go to Abhaya like a pigeon that has flown up, Ārdrakakumāra did not experience pleasure, like a poor man who is sick.
“What sort of country is Magadha ? What sort of city is Rājagļha ? Which is the road for going there?” he asked the attendants.
King Ardraka thought: “ This son of mine will certainly go sometime to Abhaya without even telling it." Then Ardraka ordered five hundred vassals: “ Ārdrakakumāra, intending to go to a foreign country, must be guarded." The vassals did not leave his side, like the shadow of the body;