________________
254
CHAPTER TEN felt pride in my own glory, alas ! There is the same difference between Sakra and me as between the ocean and a puddle. I despise myself for that pride in magnificence. Never having seen such magnificence before, I was like a frog in a well.”
As he was so meditating, gradually attaining disgust with existence, having light karma because of these thoughts, a very pure change took place in him. “If I have been surpassed by Bidaujas by, that magnificence, nevertheless I shall surpass him now by taking initiation. Not only shall I surpass him now by taking the vow, but I shall defeat the enemies in the form of karma that cause wandering through births.”
After so reflecting, the king of Daśārņapura, discerning, discarded his crown, bracelets, et cetera, just while he was standing there. Daśārņabhadra tore out all the hair from his head in five handsful, as if it were the root of the tree of karma. While Sakra looked on, wide-eyed from astonishment, he went to the side of the gaṇabhst and received the outfit of a sādhu. The ascetic Daśārņabhadra, possessing unprecedented strength of will and daring, went and paid homage accompanied by circumambulation to the Lord of the World.
Sakra said: “Bravo ! mahātma, this is heroism on your part. By it you have surpassed me, not to speak of anyone
else.”
After saying this and bowing to him, Sakra went to his own place. Muni Daśārņabhadra observed the vow fully. The Lord of the World, devoted to assistance to souls capable of emancipation, wandered from that place to other towns, et cetera.
Śālibhadra (57–181) Now, a young woman named Dhanyā, whose family had perished, came to śāligrāma, (a suburb) of Rājagļha. She brought with her her son, a child named Sangamaka. For it is hard to abandon the offspring of the womb even
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
