Part 5: Vimala’s life before initiation

King Kṛtavarman, delighted, celebrated his son’s birth-festival, which gave delight to all, with great magnificence. Because his mother was brilliant (vimala) while he was in the womb, the father himself gave him the name Vimala. The Lord of the World, cared for by goddesses who had become nurses and amused by gods who had become his companions, grew up.

Sixty bows tall, the Master gradually attained youth, marked with a thousand and eight marks. Though feeling disgust with existence, at his father’s importunity he married royal maidens—herbs for the disease of karma with pleasure as its fruit.

After passing fifteen lacs of years as prince, he ruled the earth at his father’s command. For the father’s command must be honored even by Arhats.