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CHAPTER NINE the World, as our guru in dharma, and this muni like a father and enlightenment which is very hard to obtain. By all means we had merit acquired in the past).” As they were thinking this, the omniscience of the ones eating duck-weed took place there quickly while they were eating. Brilliant omniscience of Datta and his followers took place while they were looking at the miraculous appearances, 191 and of Kaundinya and his followers while they were looking at Sri Vira.
After circumambulating the Lord, they went to the assembly of omniscients. “ Pay homage to the Master," Gautama said to them. The Lord said, “Do not insult omniscients," and Gautama apologized to them together with mithyāduşkstam. Gautama thought again: “Shall I not be emancipated in this birth? I have teacher-karma. But they are fortunate, initiated by me, in whom, high-minded, omniscience has arisen." "
As he was thinking this, the Blessed One said to him: “ Gautama, is the speech of the gods or of the Jinas true?” He replied, “Of the Jinas.” “ Do not show lack of restraint. For the affections of disciples for their gurus become equal to screens of straw, forked grain, skin and wool. Yours is like a screen of wool. From long association your affection for us is very strong. Your omniscience is blocked by it and will take place when it ceases to exist." For Gautama's enlightenment and the instruction of the others, the Supreme Lord composed the lecture, “ The leaf of the tree.”192
Ambada and Sulasā (262-311)
Just then a flying worshipper of the Lord of the World, a stranger, the mendicant Ambada came there, carrying an
191 253. Prātihārya. There are 8 of these associated with the Arháts: aśoka tree, a shower of flowers, heavenly music, fly-whisks, throne, halo, heavenly drum, triple umbrella, Pravac. 440, p. 106.
192 261. The title of the tenth lecture in the Uttaradhyayana.
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