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STORIES OF RAUHIŅEYA AND OTHERS
273 Abhaya approached her. He observed such devotion on her part, her dress, and her calmness, and delightedly spoke to her, “By good fortune, fair lady, now there is a meeting with a coreligionist like yourself. In saṁsāra there is no relative of the discerning better than a coreligionist. Who are you? Why have you come? Where do you live? Who are these, with whom you shine like a digit of the moon with Svāti and Rādhā?” Then the fictitious laywomen answered: “I was the wife of a wealthy merchant, a citizen of Avanti, but am a widow; and these are the wives of my son who, left widows by death, are lusterless like vines on a broken tree. These two at that time consulted me about the vow. Verily, the vow is a protection for women whose husbands are dead. I told them: “I also, having lost husband and son, will undertake the vow. But let the fruit of laymanship be won by a pilgrimage. Verily, in the vow, a spiritual pūjā, not a material one is fitting.' Saying this, I set out on a pilgrimage with them.”
Then Abhaya said, “Be our guest today, for hospitality to fellow-pilgrims is even more purifying than a holy place,” and she replied to Abhaya, “What you say is quite right, but how can I be your guest today, when I am observing the fast of one who visits holy places ?” Delighted by her devotion, Abhaya addressed her again, “ Then tomorrow you must surely enter my house." “ Since the birth of a human is completed in a moment, how can a wise person say, “I shall do this tomorrow?'” With the reflection, “Let her be for the present. Invite her again tomorrow,” Abhaya left her, and after he had paid homage to the image, went to his own house.
The next morning, Abhaya invited her to his house), had her worship the household images, provided refreshments, and gave her gifts of many clothes and other things. The next day, Abhaya was invited by her (to her house) and went alone. Verily, what will such men not do from regard for a coreligionist? She gave Abhaya many dainties to eat and gave 35 M
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