Trishasti Shalaka Purusa Caritra Part 6

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

Page 299

DASĀRŅABHADRA, SĀLIBHADRA, DHANYAKA 259 chariot and went there. After paying homage to the ācārya and the sādhus, he sat down before them.
As the sūri was giving instruction, he bowed and asked, “Blessed sir, by what act is one born a lord and not something else?” The Blessed One said, “ All the people of the whole world, who take initiation, share in lordship.” “ If that is so, lord, I shall take the vow, after I have gone and taken leave of my mother,” sālibhadra declared. Told by the sūri, “Do not be negligent,” Sālibhadra went home, bowed to Bhadrā, and said:
“ Today I have heard dharma, which has become the means of release from all pain, from the lotus-mouth of Sri Dharmaghosa Sūri.” Joyfully Bhadrā praised śālibhadra: “You did well, son. You are your father's son.” He said: “If this is so, mother, favor me. I want to take the vow. I am indeed my father's son.”
She said: “Son, this striving for the vow is suitable for you. But in that case red chick-peas must be eaten constantly. How would you, delicate by nature and nourished by divine food, observe the vow, like a young calf pulling a chariot?" Sālibhadra said, “ Men, nourished by (divine) food, are unable to endure the hardships of the vow, only if they are weak, not others.”
She said: “ Abandon luxuries, gradually. Endure the scent of garlands on humans. After such practice take the vow, son.” Then sālibhadra agreed to Bhadrā’s proposal and day by day gives up one wife and one mattress.
Dhanya (136–181) Now in this city there was a very rich man, named Dhanya, the husband of Śālibhadra's youngest sister. At that time Sālibhadra's sister was bathing him (her husband) in tears and he asked her, “Why are you crying?” She replied with sobs: " My brother abandons one wife and one mattress each day in order to take the vow. I am crying