Trishasti Shalaka Purusa Caritra Part 6

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

Page 303

CHAPTER XI
THE STORY OF RAUHIŅEYA; THE KIDNAPING OF ABHAYAKUMĀRA; STORY OF UDAYANA; CAPTURE
OF PRADYOTA; INITIATION OF UDĀYANA
Story of Rauhiņeya (1-110) Then the Blessed Vira, inspired by a desire to benefit humanity, wandered through hamlets, towns, mines, capital villages, et cetera. At this time there was a thief, named Lohakhura, living in a cave in Mt. Vaibhāra near Rājagļha, like the sentiment Fury personified. During the festivals and similar functions on the part of the citizens of Rājagpha, he frequently seized the opportunity to commit outrages like a demon; and in consequence of carrying away property and enjoying other men's wives, he looked upon the city as a treasury, or indeed, his own house. Theft only, no other occupation, was a pleasure to him. Demons are pleased with no other food but flesh.
By his wife Rohiņi, he had a son Rauhiņeya who resembled him in person and character. When the father's death was near at hand, he summoned his son and said, “I shall give you some advice, if you will be sure to follow it.” * Most certainly I shall follow your advice. Who on earth would disregard a father's teaching?” Rauhiņeya replied. Then, delighted by this speech, the thief Lohakhura, caressing his son, spoke solemnly as follows: “Do not listen to the speech of that Vira who preaches inside a samavasarana built by the gods; but rather, son, do as you please, without restraint.” After he had given this advice, Lohakhura died.
Rauhiņeya attended to the funeral ceremonies of his father, and then practiced theft unceasingly, as if a second Lohakhura had appeared. He guarded his father's advice, as if it were his very life and robbed the city Rājagsha, as if