Trishasti Shalaka Purusa Caritra Part 6

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

Page 84

44
CHAPTÉR THREE (with aerial roots), his mind restrained, the Lord stood there in statuesque posture.
As the grass in the forest had been destroyed by the power of the terrible hot season and the new grass had not grown because the rains had started so recently, the cattle ran to eat the ascetics' grass huts and the cruel ascetics beat the cattle with clubs. Beaten by them, the cattle ate the grass hut occupied by the Lord. Why would they be afraid when the Lord resembled a pillar? The ascetics observed this and railed against the Lord. “We guard the huts, but he does not guard his. Look! Who is this guest of the abbot, who looks on while the cattle eat his hut ? Indeed, that is devotion to selfinterest alone.' What can we do? He is dear as his own life to the abbot. Just from fear of him, it is not possible to speak harshly in this matter.”
One day the ascetics, whose violent anger against the Lord had increased, went to the abbot and spoke censoriously: “Who is this ascetic, indifferent, whom you brought to the hermitage? His hut has been destroyed, since he has been here. He is ungrateful, indifferent, discourteous, and lazy, who does not guard his hermitage from cattle when it is being eaten. Or rather, considering himself a muni, possessing tranquillity, he does not keep off the cattle. Then are we, worshippers of honored gurus, not munis, O muni?”
Then the abbot went to the Lord and saw his hut without its roof like a bird with its wings cut. Reflecting, “The ascetics were speaking the truth, without malice,” he said to the Lord: “Friend, why did you not guard this hut? Indeed, all hermitages were protected by your father throughout his life. Your vow merits the appearance of bad doctrine. Even birds protect their nests like themselves. Why, pray, do you, who have discernment, neglect your hut !” When he had given admonition in accordance with his own discernment, the old ascetic returned to his own hermitage, recalling his friendship with Siddhārtha.
The Lord thought: “I am the cause of their enmity.