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340 TWO PRAKRIT VERSIONS OF THE MANIPATI-CARITA 628. 'Alas! Alas! In the grip of sinful delusion how did I
commit this evil act of making a false accusation against
a muni who is a treasure-house of virtues ?' 629. A man who, ignorant of the real truth, makes a false
charge against sadhus becomes a recipient of misfor
tunes in other existences; and it is said that 630. from calumny of this kind there arises fearful affliction
and that the slandering of sādhus also causes loss of
material wealth, 631. and that again in the cycle of transmigration the slanderer
is subject to all miseries. So was it said by the Blessed
Lord in the Vyakhya-prajnäpty-anga. . 632. Led astray by delusion I committed this sinful act:
elsewhere there will be no atoning for this very great
offence. 633. And so with mind indifferent to money, home and family
he took the initiation prescribed by the Jina in his
presence. 634. Kuñcika's son abandoned his evil courses and, purified
in mind, became an excellent lay disciple, keeping the
five minor vows. 635. The muni Manipati went away and arrived at the city of
Ujjain and wandered from village to village observing
austerities. 636. His life long, he pursued without stain the life of an ascetic,
and in the end, dying by voluntary starvation, was
reborn in the world of the gods. 637. When he descends from there he will pass through human
existence as an ascetic following the sacred law and, cleansed from the stain of karma; will then be exempt
from old age and death. 638. The tale of the muni Manipati has been told in brief;
in full it can be taken from many scriptures. 639. He who recites and narrates and dutifully listens to it,
becoming endowed with right knowledge and the other qualities, attains prosperity.
