Two Prakrit Versions of Manipati Charitra

SR No.: 007017
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: R Williams
Publisher: Royal Asiatic Society
Publication Year: 1959
Total Pages: 384
Language: English, Prakrit
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 9 MB

Page 250

TRANSLATION
237 1254. just as the intention to kill you arose in your mother
in particular, even thus there arose in me an aversion
to the world ; so, king, 1255. kingship is of unsound basis, an occasion for worldly
activity, a gateway to hell for living beings, prejudicial to spiritual bliss, in fact just a performance played in
many aspects on the stage of existence. 1256. The religious creed which is the pilot on the road to bliss
is what I have chosen : you, sir, do as I have done,' he concluded, and take the vows in the Jaina
religion.' 1257. The king said: 'If you are intent on doing good to
living beings and wish to lead men across the ocean of
existence, remain in the vehicle yard.' 1258. The muni replied: "Very well' and surrounded by the
sādhus he went there and the king listened to the
sacred doctrine. 1259. He became a lay disciple and instituted ceremonies in
the Jaina temples; and both king and subjects became
active in the practice of the Jaina religion. 1260. Thus the sacred teaching was proclaimed with glory in
the Jaina temples. Then the brahmins being stimu
lated by the force of hatred, 1261. merciless and with cruel intentions, desirous of destroying
the doctrine of the Jaina religion, suborned a pregnant
woman saying: 1262. At the behest of the divinities on earth who are of the
nature of the sun and are adored throughout the world
make of yourself an offering to the gods' 1263. When this sādhu who is honoured by the king comes out
from within the city in the presence of the king and
the townspeople, dressing up as a female ascetic 1264. you are to obstruct the city gate and make this sort of
speech ‘My master, how could you make me pregnant and then go away?!