Trishasti Shalaka Purusa Caritra Part 6

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

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for that reason."
66 Whoever does so is afraid of
Dhanya said jokingly: penance, like a jackal. Your brother is lacking in courage." His other wives said to him laughingly, "If the vow is easy to practice, lord, why do you yourself not practice it?" Dhanya said: "These women who were an obstacle to the vow have given their consent to me today because of my merit. So I shall take the vow quickly."
They said seriously: "Be kind. We said that as a joke. Do not abandon wealth and us, wise sir."
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CHAPTER TEN
Giving up impermanent things-women, money, et cetera from a desire for a permanent state, I shall certainly take initiation," Dhanya said and got up. "Following you, we shall take initiation," they said. Noble-minded Dhanya gave his consent, thinking himself fortunate.
Now, Śri Vira stopped on Mt. Vaibhāra and Dhanya heard of him at once from word from a co-religionist. After giving gifts, he got into a palanquin with his wives and, afraid of existence, went to Mahavira's feet as a refuge. With his wives he took initiation in the Master's presence.
When he heard that, Sälibhadra hastened forth, thinking himself excelled. After that, accompanied by King Śrenika, he went and took the vow at Sri Mahavira's feet. Then the Master, Siddhartha's son, with his entourage went elsewhere in his wandering, like the lord of an elephant-herd with the herd.
Dhanya and Salibhadra became very famous and practiced severe penance like the edge of a sword. Completely indifferent to their bodies, the munis broke fast after fasts of a fortnight, a month, two months, three months, and four months. The great munis, Dhanya and Salibhadra, became like leather bags from fasting, their bodies emaciated and bloodless.
One day, the munis, accompanied by Sri Mahavira, came to the city Rajagṛha, their own birth-place. Then the people by reason of pre-eminent faith, went unceasingly from the