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THE WAY OF LIFE
in disguise and using strong language disgraced him. Ankamal became angry and tried to beat him. The monk smiled at Ankamal's behaviour; returned to the Buddha and informed him of what had happened.
The same day, in the afternoon, the Buddha sent two other monks to Ankamal in disguise. They approached Ankamal and said to him, "Noble man! Oh, thou gifted with a long span of life! We are the followers of Emperor Harsha. The Emperor desires to appoint you his Chief Minister. He has sent us to convey this information to you and to take back your message to him. Are you willing to accept the position of Chief Minister ? The Emperor is greatly impressed with you, and with your attainments, after having heard about you”.
On hearing their words, Ankamal was greatly amazed and delighted. He was stupefied to hear the message. The temptation for power and position held him by the throat. He gave his ready consent and said, "Surely! .... Surely, I respect the wishes of the Emperor. Kindly tell me when...." When Ankamal was about to say something, those two looked at each other smiling and then went away. Ankamal could not understand anything of their strange behaviour. He stood looking at them as they were going away.
In the evening, Bhagwan Buddha himself came to Ankamal. He was accompanied by his disciple, Amrapali. Ankamal received the Buddha with great affection. The Buddha sat upon a wooden seat. Amrapali sat nearby. Ankamal began to converse with the Buddha. But again and again he kept looking at Amrapali. Ankamal was greatly fascinated by the extraordinary looks of Amrapali.
THE BUDDHA'S CHALLENGE
The Buddha returned to his Ashram with Amrapali. The next day Ankamal went to the Buddha's Ashram. The Buddha said to him, “Child! Have you mastered the art of controlling anger, avarice and sensual passion ? I am sure, you have".
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