Simhasanadvatrimshika 24.p2

24.p2

Once, arriving in Ujjayinī, they went to the royal court and recounted the affair of the division before the king's assembly, but the method of the division was not understood by the king or by the assembly. Afterwards, having once come to the city of Pratiṣṭhāna, they spoke before the distinguished citizens residing there. The solution was not understood by them either. At that time, Śālivāhana, who lived in a potter's house, heard this account, went there, and said to the distinguished citizens: "Noble sirs, what is difficult to understand here? What is so wondrous? How is this method of division not understood by you?" They said: "O lad, we are bewildered, and we do not comprehend it; if it is known to you, explain what the method of division is." Śālivāhana said: "These four are the sons of one merchant. While still alive, their father made the division according to the order of eldest to youngest. Namely: to the eldest, earth was given, by which was given all the acquired land. To the second, straw was given, by which was given all the grain. To the third, bones were given, by which were given all the cattle. To the fourth, coals were given, by which was given all the gold." Thus the determination of their division was made by Śālivāhana. And they, being satisfied, went to their own city.