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MANIPATI-CARITA OF HARIBHADRA
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1278. Then seeing the evidence of the excellent muni's super
natural power they fell at his feet repeatedly, their
limbs trembling from fear of his curse. 1279. and in that attitude they said: 'We have come for
refuge to you who are endowed with a wealth of ascetic
power : be assuaged and assure our security.' 1280. When they had spoken thus the sādhu cut short his curse
since good men do not destroy those who have come for
refuge. 1281. The king said: "Take the vows with your wives and
children or quit my country,' so they took the vows
with their wives. 1282. Just as that serving-woman died with the child from her
womb because of an evil action, so will he perish who
stole your property.' 1283. As Manipati spoke thus the first smoke from the flame of
anger began to pour forth from his mouth and ears
and nostrils. 1284. Kuñcika's son Jinadatta seeing the fire of flaming anger
emerge turned to his father terrified : It was I
who took your money, 1285. father, so seek pardon in every way of this excellent
muni who has been slandered.' Astounded and
terrified they fell at his feet and asked pardon. 1286. The muni esteeming that those who had committed this
offence were adherents of his religion and not fit to be
destroyed pardoned them. 1287. The disciple Kuñcika became a monk under the muni
and through this asceticism Jinadatta became a lay
disciple. 1288. Knowing this, do not make false accusations against
munis or female ascetics, or against lay disciples, men
or women, because they may be perilous to life. 1289. Endowed with such virtues the sādhu Maņipati, exempt
from the fever of existence, became supremely destined for the abode of bliss of the gods and then for final release.
