Part 7: Founding of Śānti’s congregation

At that time the thrones of the Lokāntika-gods in Brahmaloka shook, as if swung by someone. The gods, Sārasvatas, et cetera, bewildered, thinking “What is this?” employed clairvoyant knowledge and, understanding completely, said to each other: “Listen! The time has come for the initiation of Arhat Śānti in the southern half of Bhārata in Jambūdvīpa. The thrones, with consciousness produced, as it were, by his power, announce to us the action suitable at the time of initiation. Even if the Blessed One himself knows by the three kinds of knowledge, nevertheless it is customary that we remind him that it is time for the vow.”

After talking with each other to this effect and getting in their aerial cars, the Sārasvatas, et cetera, approached Śāntinātha, After circumambulating Śāntinātha three times and bowing to him, their hands folded submissively, they said, “Master, found a congregation.” After saying this and paying homage to him, the Laukāntikas went to heaven.