Part 6: Supārśva’s initiation

Observing that the Master’s mind was disgusted with saṃsāra, the Lokāntika-gods came from Brahmaloka to the Master: “You, self-enlightened, are not enlightened by our devotion, but you are reminded. Found a congregation, Master.” With these words, they went to heaven.

Then Supārśva Svāmin, eager for the festival of initiation, the wishing-gem of liberality, gave gifts for a year. At the end of the year’s giving Supārśva Svāmin’s initiation-ceremony was made by the Indras whose thrones had shaken. Then the Lord of the World, going to emancipation, got into the palanquin named Manoharā, charming with varied jewels. Accompanied by gods, asuras, and kings the Blessed One went to the most excellent grove named Sahasrāmravaṇa. The Master, the ornament of three worlds, there cast aside his ornaments, etc. and wore on his shoulder the devadūṣya placed by Śakra. In the evening of the thirteenth day of the bright half of Jyeṣṭha, (the moon being) in Rādhā, the Lord became a mendicant together with a thousand kings, observing a two days’ fast. The Ford’s fourth knowledge, mind-reading knowledge, arose; and then for a moment there was comfort even for hell-inhabitants.

On the next day the Lord broke his fast with ricepudding in the house of King Mahendra in the city Pāṭalīkhaṇḍa. The gods made the five wonderful things, the stream of treasure, etc.; and Mahendra made a jeweled platform where the Lord of the World had stood.

Vanquishing the army of trials, like a mountain destroying heat, the Lord of the World became desireless even in the body, indifferent to gold, straw, etc. Alone, absorbed in silence, his gaze constantly directed on one object, devoted to numerous resolutions, not resting, fearless, firm, observing numerous pratimās, engaged in meditation, the Lord of the World wandered over the earth as an unenlightened ascetic for nine months.