Trishasti Shalaka Purusa Caritra Part 6

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

Page 283

STORIES OF THE PLOUGHMAN AND OTHERS 243 · shall take initiation which wards off fear of it.' Kaņdarika
replied: Why do you make me fall into the cycle of births ? I shall take the vow and cross the ocean of births.'
When he did not do what was asked by the king two or three times in regard to the throne, then he was allowed to take the vow; and was thus instructed by him seeking his welfare.
The senses are difficult to repress in this existence; the mind is always fickle; youth is the house of change; carelessness is inborn in men. Trials and attacks are hard to bear. That would have to be accomplished by you with a resolute
7, dear boy. Indeed, mendicancy is hard to practice. Rather, observe lay-duties and take care of the kingdom. Take initiation when youth has passed. Then it is suitable.'
Kandarika said: “That is true. Nevertheless, what I said must be done. Certainly I shall become a mendicant.'
Kaņdarika took initiation, but King Pundarika, restrained from the vow by the ministers, remained at home, a mendicant in spirit. Kaņdarika, his body emaciated by numerous penances, observing all the practices of sādhus, become dear to the sādhus.
One day, when the spring season was unfolding, Sādhu Kandarika's mind became confused from the maturing of good conduct-obscuring karma. He thought: ‘Enough of this mendicancy of mine. I shall go and accept the throne which my brother offered me before. With this thought, he went to Pundarikiņi and stopped in a garden. Hanging his bowls, et cetera to a tree, he rested on cool ground with a green couch. Soon he had himself announced to the king by the gardener; and the king went there with his ministers and paid homage to him.
The king knew, “His equipment fastened to a tree, resting on vegetable-bodies, alone, I think he has abandoned the vow,' and said: 'Sirs ! you all remember that he, though I opposed it, took the vow at that time as a boy from excessive zeal.' After saying this, Puņdarika installed Kaņdarika