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STORIES OF RAUHINEYA AND OTHERS
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and was deceived by my father, who was not a friend (to me), (though) thinking himself a friend, O Teacher of the Three Worlds. Protector of the Three Worlds, they are blessed who always as believers drink the nectar of your speech with the cups of their ears; but I, wicked, inattentive to your speech, O Blessed One, covered my ears and passed this place, : alas ! On one occasion, I heard one speech of yours, though unintentionally; by it, as if by a magic syllable, I was saved from a Raksasa of a king. As I was saved from death, so, Lord, save me drowning in a whirlpool of the ocean of samsara, Lord of the World!" Then out of pity for him the Master gave him pure instruction in the duty of a sādhu, which furnishes access to emancipation.
After he was enlightened, Rauhiṇeya made obeisance, and spoke as follows, "Lord, please decide whether or not I am suitable for the duties of an ascetic." On being told, "You are suitable," he said, "Lord, I am going to take the vow, but (first), I want to tell Śrenika something." "Say what you have to say, without fear or hesitation." Addressed thus by King Śreņika, the son of Lohakhura said: "Your Majesty, I whom you hear here am that Rauhineya, the robber of your town, in accordance with the popular report. By one speech of the Jina, the cleverness of Abhayakumāra, hard to cross, was crossed by me like a river by a boat. I robbed this whole city of yours; it is not necessary to look for any other thief, O Royal Sun! Send some one so that can show the plunder. Then I shall make my life fruitful by wandering as a mendicant."
At the command of Śreņika, Abhaya himself rose and went with the thief, and the people of the town went along out of curiosity. Then the thief showed Śreņika's son the treasure concealed in mountains, rivers, bowers, cemeteries, and other places; and Abhaya distributed the treasure-to everyone what belonged to him. There is no other course of conduct for ministers who know niti, and are not avaricious. After he had told the whole truth and enlightened his own
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