Tag Archives: THE SAGE WHO LEFT HIS BODY BEHIND
98. THE SAGE WHO LEFT HIS BODY BEHIND
In the Koshala country is a city called Unassailable. In it ruled a king named Fine-Chariot. One day a forest ranger came with this report: “Master, all the forest kings have become turbulent, and in their middle is the forest chief named Vindhyaka. It is the king’s affair to teach him modest manners.” On hearing this report, the king summoned Counsellor Strong, and despatched him with orders to chastise the forest chieftains.
Now in the absence of the counsellor, a naked Sage arrived in the city. He was master of the astronomical specialties, such as problems and etymologies, rising of the zodiacal signs, augury, ecliptic intersection, and the decanate; also stellar mansions divided into nine parts, twelve parts, thirty parts; the shadow of the gnomon, eclipses, and numerous other mysteries. With these the fellow in a few days won the entire population, as if he had bought and paid for them.
