INTRODUCING STORY LEADING TO NĀBHI, THE 7TH PATRIARCH OF THE TWINS, FATHER OF ṚṢABHA (part 1) STORY OF SĀGARACANDRA, PRIYADARŚANĀ, AND AŚOKADATTA Now, in Jambūdvīpa in the West Videhas, there is a city, Aparājitā by name (note 1), unconquered by its enemies. In it there was a king, by whose power the world had been subdued, Īśānacandra (the Moon of Īśāna), equal to the Indra of Īśāna (note 2) in glory. There lived a merchant, preeminent in wealth, foremost among those devoted solely to piety, by name Candandāsa (note 3), sandal for giving delight to the world. He had a son, Sāgarcandra (note 4), who was the prime cause of delight to the eyes of the world like the moon to the ocean. Always having an upright character, his actions governed by dharma, possessing discernment, he was the face-ornament of the whole city. One day, to see King Īṣānacandra he went to the palace crowded with vassal-kings who had humbly approached to do service. Then he was received by the King, just as by a father, with great affection shown by giving him a seat, betel, etc. Just then a panegyrist came to the King’s door and recited in a voice which surpassed the sound of the conch: “Today, O King, the Śrī of spring with many flowers prepared appears in your garden like a woman-gardener on the alert. Honor with your presence that garden with the quarters made fragrant with the perfume of blooming flowers, like Mahendra Nandana.” The King instructed the door-keeper: “Early in the morning everyone must go to the garden. Have it proclaimed in the city.” “You too must go to the garden,” the King himself commanded the merchant’s son. For this is characteristic of a gracious master. Then dismissed by the King, delighted, he went home and told his friend Aśokadatta (note 5) about the King’s command. On the next day the King went to the garden with his retinue. The citizens went there also. SUBJECTS FOLLOW THE KING. Like spring with the wind from Malaya, the merchant’s son with his friend Aśokadatta went to the garden. Then the people, subject to the rule of kāma (note 6), began to amuse themselves by gathering and wreathing flowers, by songs, dances, etc. The citizens, formed into groups here and there, engaged in recreazion, took up the yoke of the camp of King Smara (note 7) who had settled there. While at every step arose loud sounds of songs and musical instruments in conjunction as if to conquer other sense-objects, suddenly from a near-by arbor of trees arose the cry of a terrified woman, “Help! Help!” To ascertain what it was, Sāgara ran quickly, as if drawn by that voice penetrating his ear. He saw there Priyadarśanā (note 8), the daughter of the merchant Pūrṇabhadra (note 9), who had been seized by bandits like a black doe by wolves. The merchant’s son crushed the hand of one bandit and took away his knife, just as one would take a jewel after breaking a serpent’s neck. Seeing such strength on his part, the bandits ran away. Even tigers flee at the sight of a blazing fire. Thus Priyadarśanā was freed by Sāgara from the bandits like a mango-shoot from wood-gatherers. “Who is he, best of men, devoted to helping others? Fortunately he came here, drawn by my great good-fortune. Surpassing Smara in beauty, he alone shall be my husband.” With these thoughts Priyadarśanā went to her own house. Carrying Priyadarśanā in his heart as I she were sewn there, the merchant’s son, accompanied by Aśokadatta, went home. Then Candanadāsa heard indirectly about the whole incident. By whom could such a thing be concealed? He thought, “His love for Priyadarśanā is suitable. For friendship between the lotus and king-goose is suitable. This magnanimous act which was performed at that time is not suitable. For heroism must not be shown by a merchant, even though he is heroic. Moreover, as he is honest, his association with Aśokadatta who is deceitful is certainly not a good thing, resembling that of a plantain tree with a jujube. (note 10).” Reflecting thus for a long time, the merchant sent for Sāgara, and began to admonish him in a conciliatory way, as an elephant-driver would a bhadra-elephant (note 11). “O son, you are conversant with the customs of all the śāstras, and with business affairs. Still, I shall give you some advice. For we merchants, son, living by skill in our art, unassuming, being well-dressed, are not criticized. Even in youth you must conceal your power. Merchants, even in matters common to everyone, act with apprehension. Wealth, indulgence in pleasure, GENEROSITY WHICH MUST CERTAINLY BE CONCEALED, are sufficient for our renown, just as the body is sufficient (adornment) for young women. Action which is not suitable to one’s birth has a bad appearance, like a gold ornament fastened on a camel’s foot. Then time must be given to wealth, as constituting virtue, by those devoted to business and to suitability for their own station, son. Association with the wicked by those who are honest by nature must be abandoned. In course of time it surely effects a change for the worse, like the poison of a mad-dog. This Aśokadatta friend of yours, always advancing (in influence), will corrupt you entirely, as leprosy spreads and corrupts a body. For he, extremely deceitful, THINKS ONE THING, SAYS ANOTHER, AND DOES SOMETHING ELSE, LIKE A COURTESAN.” [to be continued]
Posted on: Wed, 13 Aug 2014 10:18:34 +0000
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