In the city of Avanti, there lived a merchant named Dhana, whose wife’s name was Kamalashri. He had a daughter born to him after eight sons. She was named Bhatta. She was loved by everybody in the household, and no one ever addressed her by the belittling ‘Tu’ (you). Because of this, she took the prefix an-tu-kari (one not addressed as ‘Tu’) before her name. Her education started at the age of eight, under many teachers, some experts in arts, and others in spiritual matters.
When she stepped into her youth, the merchant started to look for a suitable groom for her. When Bhatta came to know of this, she announced that she would marry only one who would never disobey her. Otherwise, she preferred to remain a spinster. Now, this was a difficult condition, and it was by no means easy to find a man who would be so very submissive to his wife.
Bhatta was a real beauty, and reports about her spread far and wide. Many young men wanted to marry her but were discouraged by her overbearing condition. Years passed, and Bhatta’s youth was now fading out.
One day, minister Subuddhi’s eyes fell on her, and he decided to accept her hand, despite the condition; and made the proposal to her father. The merchant was happy, and Bhatta was at last settled in domestic life.
At her new home, Bhatta started as a severe task-mistress. No one dared to disobey her, not even the minister. Bhatta ordered her husband to return from his office before sundown without fail, and the minister agreed.
The king noticed this change in the minister’s routine and asked him one day about it. The minister was hesitant to come out with the truth and also didn’t want to make a false statement before the king. The other courtiers said in joke, “Sire ! It’s the order of his newly acquired wife which the minister fulfills. He dares not to disobey.” At this, the king turned to the minister and said, “Is that right ?”
The minister did not hide anything. As the minister stood up to go before it was evening, the king detained him. The minister was restless and trembling, but he could say nothing. The king let him to go only at late hours of the night.
Anger blinds and deprives one of all senses. Bhatta was all fire and locked the entrance. The minister knocked and knocked, but there was no response for a long time. Then suddenly the door opened, and Bhatta walked away at a hurried pace without speaking a single word.
This was sheer foolishness. To move alone at midnight could not be a venture free from danger, particularly for a young lady. She fell in the hands of thieves, who were happy to get a nymph-like woman in costly clothes and ornaments. They took her to their den and stripped her of all her valuables. Then, clad in ordinary dress, she was passed on as a gift for the chief’s use.
As the chief approached her, Bhatta thundered, and the chief had no more courage to touch her. But she was not allowed to leave the den either; and she was severely tormented every day. What an irony of fate for a woman who had spent her life in great care and comfort ! Bhatta silently bore physical suffering, but did not deviate from the path of purity. It virtually turned out to be a trial of strength between purity and villainy.
The chief’s mother saw the ordeal of the captive woman day after day. At last, she said to her son, “My son ! This does not seem to be an ordinary woman. In agonizing her, you are committing great sins. If she curses you, I am sure you will be nowhere. So I suggest that in your own interest, you should desist from tormenting her and should not invite unnecessary danger.”
From that day, the chief stopped his tortures, and after some time, he sold her out to a trader in exchange for a handsome amount. Now, it was the trader’s turn to feel attracted toward her, and he started seeking her company. But Bhatta was firm as a rock. The trader then started agonizing her. Every day, he contrived to take blood from her body so that the woman soon became pale and weak. Bhatta had the most miserable time.
One day, Bhatta’s brother came to the same city. He saw her from a distance and recognized her. He came to the trader to make inquiries about how he came to have her in his house, but the trader could not give him true facts. But the little that he came to know about her from the man was enough for him to understand his sister’s misery. He at once paid the price to the trader and recovered his sister. He bought proper clothes and ornaments for her and took her to his home. When the minister came to know of this, he took the lady back with all honor and dignity due to her.
This brought a major change in Bhatta’s life. She was no longer dominant, but became the very embodiment of humility and docility. This earned her great esteem at home and even outside.
Once there was a discussion on this point in heaven, and the king of the Devs spoke in very eloquent terms of Bhatta’s patience and forgiveness. “No one can knock her out from these virtues,” he said. One Dev decided to give a test and came down to the earth and hid in a corner of Bhatta’s house, wholly invisible.
It was at this time that two Munis came to beg oil for Muni Munipati who had been severely burnt. Bhatta asked her maid to bring the container, but the invisible Dev pushed it down from her hand. Bhatta remained calm and asked the maid to bring the second container, which was also pushed down in the same manner; and this happened for the third time also.
Now, the Munis were about to leave, telling the lady not to disturb her mind because of the loss, nor to be angry with the maid after they were gone. Bhatta said, “Oh Munis ! I bear anger toward no one. I have myself drunk the bitterest cup of life on account of this passion (anger), and I know perhaps more than anyone where it leads to and how much it costs. But I am sorry I could not give the oil. If you kindly give me a chance, I shall go myself and bring it for you. “
The Munis waited as Bhatta went in. The Dev tried his prank with her too, but he was no match to her purity and couldn’t bother her. After the Munis left, the Dev made his appearance and begged to be forgiven. He restored the oil in all the three containers, so that nothing was really wasted. While departing, he said, “Great lady ! I am overwhelmed at your purity and equanimity. Ask for a boon.”
To this Bhatta said, “Oh Dev ! Thank you so much for your appreciation and kind words. But I don’t desire anything, and I am content with all that I have. I need no more.” The Dev once again expressed his admiration for her and departed for heaven.
रविवार, जुलाई 05, 2009
ANATHIMUNI AND KING SHRENIK
Once king Shrenik went on a horse ride away from his capital. He came to a park known as Mandikux. It was the best part of the spring season. All the trees and entire plant life was lovely green; there were fully blossomed flowers of different colors; birds of multicolor hues were flying here and there and sweet music was emanating from the streams flowing with crystal clear water. Shrenik was fascinated and felt very happy to see the lavish splendor of nature. He enjoyed his ride in various parts of the park.
Then, he happened to see a Muni meditating under a tree. He went closer and noticed that the Muni was very youthful, handsome and attractive. Shrenik could not imagine a reason as to why a person like him would have renounced the world. Bowing to him the king sat in front of him. When the Muni looked at him, the king asked the reason for renouncement in the prime of youth.
The Muni briefly replied that it was because of his helplessness. Shrenik could not believe that a handsome and attractive youth like the Muni could be really helpless. He however offered to extend all kinds of help and shelter, if the Muni intended to go back to the worldly life once again.
The Muni smiled and said that Shrenik himself was shelterless; how could he then provide shelter to others ? Shrenik could not believe his ears when he heard this. He thought that the Muni had not recognized him. He therefore told him that he was the king of Magadha; he had a large army; he commanded respect from all the people; he had beautiful wives and well behaved sons; he had obedient servants; he had enough wealth and other possessions inclusive of many elephants, horses etc. How could he be called helpless or shelterless ?
The Muni again smiled and said that Shrenik had not understood what the Muni meant by calling him helpless. He therefore asked the king to patiently hear why he had become a Muni.
The Muni said that he was the resident of Kaushambi. His father, Dhansanchay, was a wealthy man. He had affectionate brothers and sisters. He had a beautiful, lovely, good natured wife who loved him with all her heart. He had thus all the happiness and material comforts that the worldly life could provide. And he actually enjoyed the life in every respect.
Once however, he got an eye disease. It soon got very acute and unbearable. His whole body was severely afflicted by burning sensation. All his relatives and friends got together. They were very much agitated to witness the pain that he was undergoing. His father immediately called for the expert physicians. They tried hard to stop the pain by administering different medications, but failed to provide any relief. Muni felt very miserable when their expertise could not help even in reducing the pain.
His father was willing to spend any amount for relieving him of the pain. Nothing however helped. His parents tried to console him with affectionate soothing words, but that did not any way help in reducing the pain. His brothers and sisters also could not do anything in the matter. His lovely wife was all the time sitting by his side and was delicately caressing his body. At the same time, she was sobbing and cursing herself that her efforts did not prove to be of any help to her husband. She and others applied sandalwood and other different types of perfumed soothing pastes; but none of them proved to be of any help.
So, he realized that no type of expertise and no amount of love of his beloved or the affection of his close relatives were of any avail to him. When all their efforts and all the wealth of his father failed to produce any relief, he felt the most miserable. A sense of total helplessness overtook him. He could see that such types of afflictions that arise in life, are mostly beyond anybody’s control. Only the afflicted person had to bear the pain.
He could thus realize from his own experience that worldly happiness is short-lived and unreliable. It is fraught with many dangers. He could also conjecture that many types of afflictions, he must have faced on different occasions in the earlier lives. He could not however visualize ultimate end of such afflictions. He therefore decided that if he got cured of the pain, he would renounce the worldly life and seek ever lasting happiness. This decision gave him badly needed internal strength. He could close his eyes and fell asleep.
When he woke up, his pain had almost gone. All his relatives felt much relieved to notice that he was no longer experiencing the pain. After a while, he explained to them what he had decided while undergoing the pain. Eventually, he secured permission from all of them to renounce the worldly life and to become a Muni. Since he had undergone the real helplessness while bearing the pain, he had decided to call himself ‘Anathi’ which means one who is helpless. His sole endeavor was now to seek lasting happiness.
He then asked the king whether he could protect himself or anyone from the physical afflictions and other miseries that come from time to time. The king had to admit that he was helpless in the matter. Muni then pointed out that on that very account he had addressed the king as helpless.
The Muni then explained that people in general try to gain material comforts and other worldly happiness that always will be short lived. They therefore feel miserable when that so called happiness comes to an end. It should always be kept in mind that seeking material comforts cannot be our ultimate objective. We should look beyond the horizon and try to gain spiritual well being that lasts and stays beyond this life.
Seeking worldly happiness, in a way, amounts to pursuing the mirage. People, however, willingly undergo all types of hardships for gaining the ephemeral happiness; while they blissfully stay forgetful of the soul that lasts forever and is the source of enduring happiness.
The king could see the truth of what Muni said. He felt ashamed that he had invited the Muni to enjoy worldly happiness. He therefore begged pardon for his foolish gesture. Then bowing the Muni with all humbleness, Shrenik went back to Rajgruhi.
Then, he happened to see a Muni meditating under a tree. He went closer and noticed that the Muni was very youthful, handsome and attractive. Shrenik could not imagine a reason as to why a person like him would have renounced the world. Bowing to him the king sat in front of him. When the Muni looked at him, the king asked the reason for renouncement in the prime of youth.
The Muni briefly replied that it was because of his helplessness. Shrenik could not believe that a handsome and attractive youth like the Muni could be really helpless. He however offered to extend all kinds of help and shelter, if the Muni intended to go back to the worldly life once again.
The Muni smiled and said that Shrenik himself was shelterless; how could he then provide shelter to others ? Shrenik could not believe his ears when he heard this. He thought that the Muni had not recognized him. He therefore told him that he was the king of Magadha; he had a large army; he commanded respect from all the people; he had beautiful wives and well behaved sons; he had obedient servants; he had enough wealth and other possessions inclusive of many elephants, horses etc. How could he be called helpless or shelterless ?
The Muni again smiled and said that Shrenik had not understood what the Muni meant by calling him helpless. He therefore asked the king to patiently hear why he had become a Muni.
The Muni said that he was the resident of Kaushambi. His father, Dhansanchay, was a wealthy man. He had affectionate brothers and sisters. He had a beautiful, lovely, good natured wife who loved him with all her heart. He had thus all the happiness and material comforts that the worldly life could provide. And he actually enjoyed the life in every respect.
Once however, he got an eye disease. It soon got very acute and unbearable. His whole body was severely afflicted by burning sensation. All his relatives and friends got together. They were very much agitated to witness the pain that he was undergoing. His father immediately called for the expert physicians. They tried hard to stop the pain by administering different medications, but failed to provide any relief. Muni felt very miserable when their expertise could not help even in reducing the pain.
His father was willing to spend any amount for relieving him of the pain. Nothing however helped. His parents tried to console him with affectionate soothing words, but that did not any way help in reducing the pain. His brothers and sisters also could not do anything in the matter. His lovely wife was all the time sitting by his side and was delicately caressing his body. At the same time, she was sobbing and cursing herself that her efforts did not prove to be of any help to her husband. She and others applied sandalwood and other different types of perfumed soothing pastes; but none of them proved to be of any help.
So, he realized that no type of expertise and no amount of love of his beloved or the affection of his close relatives were of any avail to him. When all their efforts and all the wealth of his father failed to produce any relief, he felt the most miserable. A sense of total helplessness overtook him. He could see that such types of afflictions that arise in life, are mostly beyond anybody’s control. Only the afflicted person had to bear the pain.
He could thus realize from his own experience that worldly happiness is short-lived and unreliable. It is fraught with many dangers. He could also conjecture that many types of afflictions, he must have faced on different occasions in the earlier lives. He could not however visualize ultimate end of such afflictions. He therefore decided that if he got cured of the pain, he would renounce the worldly life and seek ever lasting happiness. This decision gave him badly needed internal strength. He could close his eyes and fell asleep.
When he woke up, his pain had almost gone. All his relatives felt much relieved to notice that he was no longer experiencing the pain. After a while, he explained to them what he had decided while undergoing the pain. Eventually, he secured permission from all of them to renounce the worldly life and to become a Muni. Since he had undergone the real helplessness while bearing the pain, he had decided to call himself ‘Anathi’ which means one who is helpless. His sole endeavor was now to seek lasting happiness.
He then asked the king whether he could protect himself or anyone from the physical afflictions and other miseries that come from time to time. The king had to admit that he was helpless in the matter. Muni then pointed out that on that very account he had addressed the king as helpless.
The Muni then explained that people in general try to gain material comforts and other worldly happiness that always will be short lived. They therefore feel miserable when that so called happiness comes to an end. It should always be kept in mind that seeking material comforts cannot be our ultimate objective. We should look beyond the horizon and try to gain spiritual well being that lasts and stays beyond this life.
Seeking worldly happiness, in a way, amounts to pursuing the mirage. People, however, willingly undergo all types of hardships for gaining the ephemeral happiness; while they blissfully stay forgetful of the soul that lasts forever and is the source of enduring happiness.
The king could see the truth of what Muni said. He felt ashamed that he had invited the Muni to enjoy worldly happiness. He therefore begged pardon for his foolish gesture. Then bowing the Muni with all humbleness, Shrenik went back to Rajgruhi.
ANAND SHRAVAK - THE TRUE SHRAVAK
There, once lived a king named Jitshatru in the town of Vanijya. There also lived a rich householder named Anand in the same town. He was a millionaire. He was so rich that he had four millions of gold coins, an equal amount in cash, had invested an equal amount in trade, in ornaments, and other assets. He also owned 40,000 cows. He was highly respected by the king as well as the people of the town.
One day, Lord Mahavir visited this town and gave a sermon. Upon hearing the sermon of the Lord, Anand, at the age of 50 years, undertook to observe the twelve vows.
He observed them for fourteen years, and then, upon holding a dinner for family relations, invited his family to his room. He entrusted his property to his sons and expressed a desire to spend the rest of his life in penance. He also told them that no one should seek his advice in worldly affairs anymore. He thus stopped worldly activities for rest of his life.
One day, when Anand Shravak was meditating in Kayotsarga (meditation), a Dev from heaven, out of curiosity, decided to test Anand Shravak’s concentration. The Dev found Anand Shravak undaunted and was unable to shake his concentration. Because of his pure mental spiritual condition at that time, Anand Shravak attained Avadhignan (limited special knowledge).
Once, while collecting Gochari (food) Gandhar Gautamswami overheard people talking about Anand Shravak’s poor health and he had attained the Avadhignan, so Gautamswami decided to visit Anand Shravak. When Gautamswami arrived at Anand Shravak’s house, Anand Shravak offered his salutation laying in bed and told Gautamswami that he had attained Avadhignan extending up to the twelfth heaven. Gautamswami told Anand Shravak that such knowledge was not possible for any Shravak. Thus, he told Anand Shravak to ask for forgiveness for telling a lie. Anand Shravak asked Gautamswami, “Is it necessary to ask for forgiveness for telling the truth ?” Gautamswami said, “No.” Then Anand Shravak said that he believed that he is not required to ask for forgiveness.
Although Gautamswami could have found out the truth of the matter by applying his own special knowledge, since his Guru Lord Mahavir was there, he went to Lord Mahavir.
When Gautamswami told Lord Mahavir about the incident with Anand Shravak, Lord Mahavir advised Gautamswami that Anand Shravak was telling the truth and it should be Gautamswami who should be asking for forgiveness. Gautamswami realized his mistake and without any hesitation, he immediately went back to Anand Shravak and apologized for his mistake and requested for his forgiveness.
As Anand Shravak approached death, he fasted for a month until death and was born as a Dev in the Saudharma heaven. After the completion of that life, he will be reborn in Mahavideh (another planet) and get liberation.
The essence of human life is to practice at least one or all twelve vows in daily life and thus make our life sublime. This story also tells us how humble Shravak should be in correcting the mistakes of their teachers. It also shows how simple, humble and a true follower of Lord Mahavir, Gautamswami was that once Lord Mahavir pointed out his mistake, he went to Anand Shravak without any arguments or thinking that he being the first deciple (Gandhar) of Lord Mahavir why should he ask for forgiveness. It also shows that how great was the teacher, Lord Mahavir that even though it was the mistake of his first deciple, he did not cover it up but on the contrary he took the side of truth and explained Gautamswami his mistake.
One day, Lord Mahavir visited this town and gave a sermon. Upon hearing the sermon of the Lord, Anand, at the age of 50 years, undertook to observe the twelve vows.
He observed them for fourteen years, and then, upon holding a dinner for family relations, invited his family to his room. He entrusted his property to his sons and expressed a desire to spend the rest of his life in penance. He also told them that no one should seek his advice in worldly affairs anymore. He thus stopped worldly activities for rest of his life.
One day, when Anand Shravak was meditating in Kayotsarga (meditation), a Dev from heaven, out of curiosity, decided to test Anand Shravak’s concentration. The Dev found Anand Shravak undaunted and was unable to shake his concentration. Because of his pure mental spiritual condition at that time, Anand Shravak attained Avadhignan (limited special knowledge).
Once, while collecting Gochari (food) Gandhar Gautamswami overheard people talking about Anand Shravak’s poor health and he had attained the Avadhignan, so Gautamswami decided to visit Anand Shravak. When Gautamswami arrived at Anand Shravak’s house, Anand Shravak offered his salutation laying in bed and told Gautamswami that he had attained Avadhignan extending up to the twelfth heaven. Gautamswami told Anand Shravak that such knowledge was not possible for any Shravak. Thus, he told Anand Shravak to ask for forgiveness for telling a lie. Anand Shravak asked Gautamswami, “Is it necessary to ask for forgiveness for telling the truth ?” Gautamswami said, “No.” Then Anand Shravak said that he believed that he is not required to ask for forgiveness.
Although Gautamswami could have found out the truth of the matter by applying his own special knowledge, since his Guru Lord Mahavir was there, he went to Lord Mahavir.
When Gautamswami told Lord Mahavir about the incident with Anand Shravak, Lord Mahavir advised Gautamswami that Anand Shravak was telling the truth and it should be Gautamswami who should be asking for forgiveness. Gautamswami realized his mistake and without any hesitation, he immediately went back to Anand Shravak and apologized for his mistake and requested for his forgiveness.
As Anand Shravak approached death, he fasted for a month until death and was born as a Dev in the Saudharma heaven. After the completion of that life, he will be reborn in Mahavideh (another planet) and get liberation.
The essence of human life is to practice at least one or all twelve vows in daily life and thus make our life sublime. This story also tells us how humble Shravak should be in correcting the mistakes of their teachers. It also shows how simple, humble and a true follower of Lord Mahavir, Gautamswami was that once Lord Mahavir pointed out his mistake, he went to Anand Shravak without any arguments or thinking that he being the first deciple (Gandhar) of Lord Mahavir why should he ask for forgiveness. It also shows that how great was the teacher, Lord Mahavir that even though it was the mistake of his first deciple, he did not cover it up but on the contrary he took the side of truth and explained Gautamswami his mistake.
PRINCE ANDHARAJ
A prince, Andharaj, was blind since his birth but he was very generous hearted. He would gave away in charity even his ornaments. The minister of the state was annoyed at such conduct of the prince as it proved very difficult to provide him the new ornaments everyday.
One day, the minister complained to the king: “Your Majesty, wealth is consumed in three ways: giving in charity, enjoyment and destruction. Giving charity is no doubt the best way of consuming the wealth as both the donor and the recipient are benefited. However, it has its own limitations. Excess in anything should be avoided. If the prince continues this flow of charity our royal treasures will be gone in no time.”
The king replied: “Minister, you are right but I do not intend to offend the prince so you may find out some other way to maintain the treasures without offending the prince.”
Keeping this in mind, the minister found a way. He called the prince in seclusion and said: “Dear Prince, I know your fondness for ornaments and so I have taken out for you some old ornaments worn by your forefathers. I would like to give them to you if you would not offer them to the beggars. When you wear these ornaments you will bristle with the glory of the king of kings or a divine prince. But beware, the world is full of selfish people. No sooner they see these ornaments, they will plot in various ways to deprive you of these ornaments. Someone might say: “These ornaments are quite cheap and low. They are made of iron, you should not wear them, but you should disregard their words.”
The prince said: “I agree to your conditions. I shall not part with them in favor of anyone and I shall punish anyone who would speak about them as made of iron. Give them to me for my use.”
Having thus prepared the mind of the blind prince, the minister gave him iron ornaments to wear. The prince was overjoyed and he sat in front of the main entrance of the royal palace. As usual, some of the beggars approached him. With surprise they said, “Prince, how is it that you are wearing iron ornaments today. It does not befit you to wear such ornaments.”
Hearing these remarks the prince picked up his stick and bit the beggars. He said: “You scoundrels, you want to rob me of my ornaments. I am fully aware of that. Get away from here.” The beggars ran off.
Later on, some royal attendants came over and expressed great wonder to find the prince decked with iron ornaments. Out of regard for the prince they said: “Your Honor, these ornaments of iron grant you no glory. We have ample ornaments of gold, then how is it that you chose today to wear iron ones ?” The prince said: “Mind well, I shall take you to task if you condemn my ornaments. I never wore such ornaments prepared by my ancestors.” No sooner did one of the attendants begin to retort than the prince beat him with the stick too. The attendants departed.
Some of the relatives of the prince who approached him to pass their remarks about the ornaments also met with the same fate. The prince paid heed to nobody’s advice.
One day, the minister complained to the king: “Your Majesty, wealth is consumed in three ways: giving in charity, enjoyment and destruction. Giving charity is no doubt the best way of consuming the wealth as both the donor and the recipient are benefited. However, it has its own limitations. Excess in anything should be avoided. If the prince continues this flow of charity our royal treasures will be gone in no time.”
The king replied: “Minister, you are right but I do not intend to offend the prince so you may find out some other way to maintain the treasures without offending the prince.”
Keeping this in mind, the minister found a way. He called the prince in seclusion and said: “Dear Prince, I know your fondness for ornaments and so I have taken out for you some old ornaments worn by your forefathers. I would like to give them to you if you would not offer them to the beggars. When you wear these ornaments you will bristle with the glory of the king of kings or a divine prince. But beware, the world is full of selfish people. No sooner they see these ornaments, they will plot in various ways to deprive you of these ornaments. Someone might say: “These ornaments are quite cheap and low. They are made of iron, you should not wear them, but you should disregard their words.”
The prince said: “I agree to your conditions. I shall not part with them in favor of anyone and I shall punish anyone who would speak about them as made of iron. Give them to me for my use.”
Having thus prepared the mind of the blind prince, the minister gave him iron ornaments to wear. The prince was overjoyed and he sat in front of the main entrance of the royal palace. As usual, some of the beggars approached him. With surprise they said, “Prince, how is it that you are wearing iron ornaments today. It does not befit you to wear such ornaments.”
Hearing these remarks the prince picked up his stick and bit the beggars. He said: “You scoundrels, you want to rob me of my ornaments. I am fully aware of that. Get away from here.” The beggars ran off.
Later on, some royal attendants came over and expressed great wonder to find the prince decked with iron ornaments. Out of regard for the prince they said: “Your Honor, these ornaments of iron grant you no glory. We have ample ornaments of gold, then how is it that you chose today to wear iron ones ?” The prince said: “Mind well, I shall take you to task if you condemn my ornaments. I never wore such ornaments prepared by my ancestors.” No sooner did one of the attendants begin to retort than the prince beat him with the stick too. The attendants departed.
Some of the relatives of the prince who approached him to pass their remarks about the ornaments also met with the same fate. The prince paid heed to nobody’s advice.
IRIAVAHIA SUTRA (Repentance & Apologies)
Aimutta was the prince of Polaspur’s king।
Once this seven year old child was playing with a few friends in the streets. It was a very hot day. At this time child Aimutta saw Gautamswami, who was bare-footed and bald, and was making rounds for Gochari (food). Aimutta ran to him and asked him why he was wandering. On hearing the answer Aimutta took Gautamswami to his house.
His mother was pleased with his devotion and welcomed Gautamswami by the greeting, “Maithen Vandami” (I solemnly bow with my head down). Aimutta’s mother introduced Gautamswami as a learned Ganadhar of Lord Mahavir. Aimutta responded that they were so lucky to give him Gochari and proceeded to listen to Gautamswami’s discourse.
When it was time for Gautamswami to leave, Aimutta asked Gautamswami if he could carry the bag (containing food utensils) that Gautamswami was holding so diligently. Gautamswami told him that the bag could only be carried by one who has accepted monkshood.
The boy desired this monkshood, but he was told that he needed his parents’ permission. The mother, upon hearing the request, told him he was only a child and not familiar with the rigorous code of conduct that a Muni has to live by. Aimutta insisted on Diksha (monkshood), saying that the code cannot be known beforehand, and that he was willing to suffer all the hardships that may follow.
He told his mother that he knew two things: (1) One who is born, is sure to die; and (2) One does not know when he will die. Although still a child, Aimutta explained the transitory nature of life to his mother, who remained silent.
After making Aimutta the king for one day, he was permitted to take the initiation before Lord Mahavir. Then he was entrusted to an elderly Muni for training. He then began to learn.
One day, young Aimutta Muni went with the elderly Muni to the lake. While the elderly Muni was resting, Aimutta Muni saw children playing with paper sailboats in the water, and he also put his small pot in the lake and told the other boys how nicely his boat was floating.
On seeing this the old Muni told Aimutta Muni that he had become a Muni and thus had taken vows not to harm the all kinds of living organisms and here, Aimutta Muni was breaking his vow. Feeling deeply ashamed of himself, Aimutta Muni went to Lord Mahavir with great repentance and while reciting “Iriavahia Sutra,” he began crying. He uttered the words, “Pankkamane Biyakamane” and began to apologize to all living beings. While doing so, he attained Kevalgnan (nothing but knowledge) and ultimately got liberation.
MORAL LESSON: We often say this Iriavahia Sutra ourselves, but only as a recital of words is “Dravya Kriya.” However, if recited with true and sincere repentance, it can become a “Bhav Kriya.”
Once this seven year old child was playing with a few friends in the streets. It was a very hot day. At this time child Aimutta saw Gautamswami, who was bare-footed and bald, and was making rounds for Gochari (food). Aimutta ran to him and asked him why he was wandering. On hearing the answer Aimutta took Gautamswami to his house.
His mother was pleased with his devotion and welcomed Gautamswami by the greeting, “Maithen Vandami” (I solemnly bow with my head down). Aimutta’s mother introduced Gautamswami as a learned Ganadhar of Lord Mahavir. Aimutta responded that they were so lucky to give him Gochari and proceeded to listen to Gautamswami’s discourse.
When it was time for Gautamswami to leave, Aimutta asked Gautamswami if he could carry the bag (containing food utensils) that Gautamswami was holding so diligently. Gautamswami told him that the bag could only be carried by one who has accepted monkshood.
The boy desired this monkshood, but he was told that he needed his parents’ permission. The mother, upon hearing the request, told him he was only a child and not familiar with the rigorous code of conduct that a Muni has to live by. Aimutta insisted on Diksha (monkshood), saying that the code cannot be known beforehand, and that he was willing to suffer all the hardships that may follow.
He told his mother that he knew two things: (1) One who is born, is sure to die; and (2) One does not know when he will die. Although still a child, Aimutta explained the transitory nature of life to his mother, who remained silent.
After making Aimutta the king for one day, he was permitted to take the initiation before Lord Mahavir. Then he was entrusted to an elderly Muni for training. He then began to learn.
One day, young Aimutta Muni went with the elderly Muni to the lake. While the elderly Muni was resting, Aimutta Muni saw children playing with paper sailboats in the water, and he also put his small pot in the lake and told the other boys how nicely his boat was floating.
On seeing this the old Muni told Aimutta Muni that he had become a Muni and thus had taken vows not to harm the all kinds of living organisms and here, Aimutta Muni was breaking his vow. Feeling deeply ashamed of himself, Aimutta Muni went to Lord Mahavir with great repentance and while reciting “Iriavahia Sutra,” he began crying. He uttered the words, “Pankkamane Biyakamane” and began to apologize to all living beings. While doing so, he attained Kevalgnan (nothing but knowledge) and ultimately got liberation.
MORAL LESSON: We often say this Iriavahia Sutra ourselves, but only as a recital of words is “Dravya Kriya.” However, if recited with true and sincere repentance, it can become a “Bhav Kriya.”
सदस्यता लें
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