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.”
रविवार, जुलाई 05, 2009
KING SHRENIK AND ABHAYKUMAR
2500 years back Magadha was a growing kingdom. Kushagrapur in the present state of Bihar was its capital. Before the times of Lord Mahavir, king Prasenjit was ruling over there. He was a devotee of Lord Parshwanath's order. He had many sons. He wanted to know which one of them was most suitable to be the heir to his kingdom.
For this purpose he administered some tests. Once he invited all of them for a dinner. As they started eating, the king released royal hounds at them. All of them except prince Shrenik ran away. Staying unafraid, Shrenik picked up the food from the plates left by his brothers and started giving that food to the hounds. That way he could keep the hounds at arm's length, while he ate his food. The king was pleased with his dexterity. He however felt that if he showed his favor for Shrenik, other princes would be jealous. He therefore outwardly remarked that it was not befitting a prince to eat by the side of the dogs.
On another occasion, the king presented to his sons sealed baskets of sweets and earthen pots of water and asked them to eat and drink without opening the baskets or pots. All others were non-plussed by these instructions and left without eating. Shrenik, however, broke the sweets into small pieces by knocking the baskets and started eating as the particles came out of the joints of the baskets. He also noticed that the water pots were new and water was oozing out of the pores. He therefore put a silver bowl below a pot. By the time, he finished eating, enough water had accumulated in the bowl out of the pores. He therefore used it for his purpose. The king was watching all this. He was pleased with the intellect and smartness of Shrenik. Once again however, he outwardly criticized Shrenik for eating particles of sweets like a beggar.
In Kushagrapur, fire used to break out frequently. In order to prevent the reoccurrence of such incidents, the king proclaimed that if fire breaks out any where henceforth, the owner of the house would be held responsible for the negligence and would be turned out of the city. Once it so happened that a wild fire broke out in king's palace on account of the negligence of some cook. The king announced that the princes could take out and keep anything that they liked from the palace.
Other princes took out jewelry and other valuables, while Shrenik picked up only the royal bugle. When he was asked to explain his choice, he said that he selected the bugle, because it was the symbol of royal victory and proclamations from the bugle are binding to every one. The king was again pleased with his selection and decided that Shrenik would be his heir to the throne. In order to save him from the envy of his brothers, he however did not announce his decision.
True to his proclamation, the king decided to leave the city, because he was supposed to be responsible for the fire in his palace. He then set up his camp a couple of miles away. People concerned with administration had to go there. Later on, other people too started settling in that place. It came to be known as Rajgruhi because of the king's residence there. Gradually that place grew to be the capital city of Magadha. It turned out to be one of the most well known and thriving cities of that time.
As the princes grew up, the king sent them away as governors in different parts of his kingdom. Since he wanted to groom Shrenik as his successor, he did not allot any governorship to him and intentionally asked him to stay in Rajgruhi. Shrenik however could not make out his father's design. He felt insulted and thought that he was out of favor with the king. Getting frustrated, one day he left Rajgruhi without informing any one about his departure.
He proceeded eastward and after traveling for a few days he reached the city of Benatat in Bengal. There was a trader named Bhadra whose business had for some time been shrinking without any conceivable reason. Shrenik came to his business place and sat for a while for taking rest. It was a day of some festival. Almost every one was out for shopping. Many of them flocked to Bhadra's store. Rush was so great that it was almost impossible for him to cope with the unimaginably good demand. Shrenik thereupon volunteered to help him.
On account of the smartness of Shrenik in doing the job, Bhadra could do lot of business that day. By the time he got ready for the lunch, he was done with most of the customers. He was overjoyed with the business that he could make. It was far beyond his expectation. He realized that he could not have made that much business, but for the help rendered by that unknown youth. He was highly appreciative of Shrenik and thought that the briskness of his business that day could be due to the presence of that auspicious young man. He therefore decided to invite Shrenik to come to his home for lunch.
Shrenik was hungry. He therefore gladly accepted the invitation. At lunch, Bhadra, who was much impressed by the personality of Shrenik, inquired about his name and whereabouts. Shrenik did not want to declare that he was the son of king of Magadha. He therefore did not disclose his identity; but he did indicate that he was looking for some responsible work. Bhadra was very pleased with Shrenik's politeness and good manners. He had no sons and he was getting old. As such, he was badly in need of a smart and reliable person to help him in his business. In Shrenik, he saw his hope for reviving his business and reputation. He therefore invited him to join his business and to stay with him. Shrenik accepted his offer and undertook the task of expanding the business. He had a special knack to please the customers. Very soon he took over all the aspects of business. After his taking over, the business grew by leaps and bounds and in no time Bhadra became a well known entity of Benatat.
Bhadra had only a daughter whose name was Nanda. She was very beautiful and graceful. She was impressed with Shrenik from the day she saw him. In due course she developed love for him. Bhadra too was anxiously looking for a match for her. He was very happy with Shrenik whose qualities, personality and good manners left no doubt in his mind that the young man must have been from a very noble family.He therefore considered Shrenik to be a suitable match for his beloved daughter. He consulted his wife who had also formed the similar opinion for Shrenik. When Nanda therefore expressed her love for Shrenik, her parents were more than willing to satisfy her desire.
When the offer of marriage was put before Shrenik, he said that they knew nothing about himself and asked how advisable would it be to give their only daughter to a stranger ? Bhadra replied that his high qualities and good manners had convinced him that Shrenik must have been from a very noble family. He had therefore no hesitation in offering his daughter to him. Shrenik too was enamored of Nanda's beauty and grace. As a result of Bhadra's persuasion, he therefore agreed to accept the offer. Shortly afterwards, Shrenik and Nanda got married with fanfare befitting the status of a wealthy businessman.
After a while Nanda got pregnant. During that time it so happened that the king Prasenjit got very ill and did not expect to survive. He sent his messengers all around to find Shrenik. One of them came to Benatat and found out Shrenik. The messenger informed him about the precarious condition of his father and said that the king was on the deathbed and was anxiously waiting for his return to Rajgruhi. Shrenik faced a dilemma. On one side his father was on the deathbed and on the other side his beloved wife was pregnant.
Shrenik ultimately decided that he should at least see his father before he died. He did not know at that time that his father had selected him to be the heir to his kingdom. He therefore told his in-laws that his father being on the deathbed, he had to go urgently. To Nanda he gave a coded identity which stated that he was the herdsman of Rajgruhi. Then he left together with the messenger.
As he reached Rajgruhi, he was given a warm welcome that he had never anticipated. Soon after that he was crowned and was proclaimed the king of Magadha. In history he is known as king Bimbisar. Prasenjit died shortly after the coronation leaving the entire burden of the kingdom on the new king. Shrenik remained so preoccupied in his new assignment that he almost forgot all about Nanda.
While she was pregnant, Nanda got an irresistible urge to ride an elephant and to endow safety and security for every being. Thereupon her father arranged for a procession wherein Nanda rode an elephant and gave generous donations to all the people who needed the same.
In due course she gave birth to a very handsome, bright son. True to her urge during pregnancy he was named Abhaykumar, meaning bestower of safety and security. From the childhood the boy showed signs of exceptional intelligence and ability. At the age of eight he could master all the arts. At school there was no match for him. He could beat even grown up men in intelligence.
Once while he was playing with his friends, some boy who was jealous of his brightness picked up quarrel with him and called him fatherless. Abhaykumar was annoyed to hear it. Coming home he asked his mother about his father. Nanda was hesitating to tell him about his father who had forsaken her so long and whose identity was not even known to her. In desperation, she showed to him the token that Shrenik had left with her. Abhaykumar looked at it and immediately made out that his father was the king of Rajgruhi. He joyfully broke the news to his mother and grand parents..
That time, Abhaykumar was still a young boy. He however decided to take his mother to Rajgruhi. While reaching the outskirts of the city, he asked his mother to rest in a garden till he could arrange for a fitting reception for her.
That time Shrenik was looking for a capable man to be his prime minister. He deliberately threw his ring in a dry well and announced that whoever could get the ring without getting into the well, would be appointed as his prime minister. Many people had gathered near the well, but no one could think of any trick to get the ring while standing on the platform of the well. While Abhaykumar was passing by, he inquired about the reason for their flocking together.
When he knew about the king's announcement, he said that he could get the ring on king's terms, if he could be provided with what he needed for the purpose. King was amused when he was informed that a young boy had come forward to undertake the job. Still he agreed to let him try and instructed his men to provide whatever the boy needed.
Thereupon Abhaykumar called for fresh cowdung and threw it at the ring. Then he dropped a bundle of burning grass over the dung so as to turn it into hard dry cake in which the ring had tightly set in. He then arranged for diverting a water canal to the well. As the well got full of water, the dungcake with the ring came floating on the surface of water. Abhaykumar picked it up and got the ring out of the cake.
The king was very pleased when he heard that the young boy from some unknown place had fulfilled his terms. He wanted to see him.
As Abhaykumar was brought in his presence, the king spontaneously felt as if a current of affection was flowing from his heart. He joyfully embraced the boy and asked his name and place of his residence. Abhaykumar gave his name and said that he was coming from Benatat. Shrenik immediately remembered Nanda and asked Abhaykumar whether he knew the businessman Bhadra and his daughter Nanda. Abhaykumar replied that he was the grandson of Bhadra. As Shrenik learnt that Abhaykumar was his own son, his joy knew no bounds. He warmly embraced him once again and inquired about his mother. Shrenik was overjoyed to learn that his wife whom he had forsaken so long, was waiting just a little away. He arranged for her a reception befitting the queen and mother of the would be prime minister. Thus there was happy reunion of the parents. Abhaykumar, as he came to be known thereafter, was then duly proclaimed as the prime minister of Magadha.
Abhaykumar served in that capacity very long. His intelligence knew no bounds. Number of administrative and political problems arose during the realm of Shrenik. Abhaykumar solved all of them to the entire satisfaction of every one concerned.
Even today, the Jain traders write in their accounting books that they may be endowed with the intelligence of Abhaykumar.
For this purpose he administered some tests. Once he invited all of them for a dinner. As they started eating, the king released royal hounds at them. All of them except prince Shrenik ran away. Staying unafraid, Shrenik picked up the food from the plates left by his brothers and started giving that food to the hounds. That way he could keep the hounds at arm's length, while he ate his food. The king was pleased with his dexterity. He however felt that if he showed his favor for Shrenik, other princes would be jealous. He therefore outwardly remarked that it was not befitting a prince to eat by the side of the dogs.
On another occasion, the king presented to his sons sealed baskets of sweets and earthen pots of water and asked them to eat and drink without opening the baskets or pots. All others were non-plussed by these instructions and left without eating. Shrenik, however, broke the sweets into small pieces by knocking the baskets and started eating as the particles came out of the joints of the baskets. He also noticed that the water pots were new and water was oozing out of the pores. He therefore put a silver bowl below a pot. By the time, he finished eating, enough water had accumulated in the bowl out of the pores. He therefore used it for his purpose. The king was watching all this. He was pleased with the intellect and smartness of Shrenik. Once again however, he outwardly criticized Shrenik for eating particles of sweets like a beggar.
In Kushagrapur, fire used to break out frequently. In order to prevent the reoccurrence of such incidents, the king proclaimed that if fire breaks out any where henceforth, the owner of the house would be held responsible for the negligence and would be turned out of the city. Once it so happened that a wild fire broke out in king's palace on account of the negligence of some cook. The king announced that the princes could take out and keep anything that they liked from the palace.
Other princes took out jewelry and other valuables, while Shrenik picked up only the royal bugle. When he was asked to explain his choice, he said that he selected the bugle, because it was the symbol of royal victory and proclamations from the bugle are binding to every one. The king was again pleased with his selection and decided that Shrenik would be his heir to the throne. In order to save him from the envy of his brothers, he however did not announce his decision.
True to his proclamation, the king decided to leave the city, because he was supposed to be responsible for the fire in his palace. He then set up his camp a couple of miles away. People concerned with administration had to go there. Later on, other people too started settling in that place. It came to be known as Rajgruhi because of the king's residence there. Gradually that place grew to be the capital city of Magadha. It turned out to be one of the most well known and thriving cities of that time.
As the princes grew up, the king sent them away as governors in different parts of his kingdom. Since he wanted to groom Shrenik as his successor, he did not allot any governorship to him and intentionally asked him to stay in Rajgruhi. Shrenik however could not make out his father's design. He felt insulted and thought that he was out of favor with the king. Getting frustrated, one day he left Rajgruhi without informing any one about his departure.
He proceeded eastward and after traveling for a few days he reached the city of Benatat in Bengal. There was a trader named Bhadra whose business had for some time been shrinking without any conceivable reason. Shrenik came to his business place and sat for a while for taking rest. It was a day of some festival. Almost every one was out for shopping. Many of them flocked to Bhadra's store. Rush was so great that it was almost impossible for him to cope with the unimaginably good demand. Shrenik thereupon volunteered to help him.
On account of the smartness of Shrenik in doing the job, Bhadra could do lot of business that day. By the time he got ready for the lunch, he was done with most of the customers. He was overjoyed with the business that he could make. It was far beyond his expectation. He realized that he could not have made that much business, but for the help rendered by that unknown youth. He was highly appreciative of Shrenik and thought that the briskness of his business that day could be due to the presence of that auspicious young man. He therefore decided to invite Shrenik to come to his home for lunch.
Shrenik was hungry. He therefore gladly accepted the invitation. At lunch, Bhadra, who was much impressed by the personality of Shrenik, inquired about his name and whereabouts. Shrenik did not want to declare that he was the son of king of Magadha. He therefore did not disclose his identity; but he did indicate that he was looking for some responsible work. Bhadra was very pleased with Shrenik's politeness and good manners. He had no sons and he was getting old. As such, he was badly in need of a smart and reliable person to help him in his business. In Shrenik, he saw his hope for reviving his business and reputation. He therefore invited him to join his business and to stay with him. Shrenik accepted his offer and undertook the task of expanding the business. He had a special knack to please the customers. Very soon he took over all the aspects of business. After his taking over, the business grew by leaps and bounds and in no time Bhadra became a well known entity of Benatat.
Bhadra had only a daughter whose name was Nanda. She was very beautiful and graceful. She was impressed with Shrenik from the day she saw him. In due course she developed love for him. Bhadra too was anxiously looking for a match for her. He was very happy with Shrenik whose qualities, personality and good manners left no doubt in his mind that the young man must have been from a very noble family.He therefore considered Shrenik to be a suitable match for his beloved daughter. He consulted his wife who had also formed the similar opinion for Shrenik. When Nanda therefore expressed her love for Shrenik, her parents were more than willing to satisfy her desire.
When the offer of marriage was put before Shrenik, he said that they knew nothing about himself and asked how advisable would it be to give their only daughter to a stranger ? Bhadra replied that his high qualities and good manners had convinced him that Shrenik must have been from a very noble family. He had therefore no hesitation in offering his daughter to him. Shrenik too was enamored of Nanda's beauty and grace. As a result of Bhadra's persuasion, he therefore agreed to accept the offer. Shortly afterwards, Shrenik and Nanda got married with fanfare befitting the status of a wealthy businessman.
After a while Nanda got pregnant. During that time it so happened that the king Prasenjit got very ill and did not expect to survive. He sent his messengers all around to find Shrenik. One of them came to Benatat and found out Shrenik. The messenger informed him about the precarious condition of his father and said that the king was on the deathbed and was anxiously waiting for his return to Rajgruhi. Shrenik faced a dilemma. On one side his father was on the deathbed and on the other side his beloved wife was pregnant.
Shrenik ultimately decided that he should at least see his father before he died. He did not know at that time that his father had selected him to be the heir to his kingdom. He therefore told his in-laws that his father being on the deathbed, he had to go urgently. To Nanda he gave a coded identity which stated that he was the herdsman of Rajgruhi. Then he left together with the messenger.
As he reached Rajgruhi, he was given a warm welcome that he had never anticipated. Soon after that he was crowned and was proclaimed the king of Magadha. In history he is known as king Bimbisar. Prasenjit died shortly after the coronation leaving the entire burden of the kingdom on the new king. Shrenik remained so preoccupied in his new assignment that he almost forgot all about Nanda.
While she was pregnant, Nanda got an irresistible urge to ride an elephant and to endow safety and security for every being. Thereupon her father arranged for a procession wherein Nanda rode an elephant and gave generous donations to all the people who needed the same.
In due course she gave birth to a very handsome, bright son. True to her urge during pregnancy he was named Abhaykumar, meaning bestower of safety and security. From the childhood the boy showed signs of exceptional intelligence and ability. At the age of eight he could master all the arts. At school there was no match for him. He could beat even grown up men in intelligence.
Once while he was playing with his friends, some boy who was jealous of his brightness picked up quarrel with him and called him fatherless. Abhaykumar was annoyed to hear it. Coming home he asked his mother about his father. Nanda was hesitating to tell him about his father who had forsaken her so long and whose identity was not even known to her. In desperation, she showed to him the token that Shrenik had left with her. Abhaykumar looked at it and immediately made out that his father was the king of Rajgruhi. He joyfully broke the news to his mother and grand parents..
That time, Abhaykumar was still a young boy. He however decided to take his mother to Rajgruhi. While reaching the outskirts of the city, he asked his mother to rest in a garden till he could arrange for a fitting reception for her.
That time Shrenik was looking for a capable man to be his prime minister. He deliberately threw his ring in a dry well and announced that whoever could get the ring without getting into the well, would be appointed as his prime minister. Many people had gathered near the well, but no one could think of any trick to get the ring while standing on the platform of the well. While Abhaykumar was passing by, he inquired about the reason for their flocking together.
When he knew about the king's announcement, he said that he could get the ring on king's terms, if he could be provided with what he needed for the purpose. King was amused when he was informed that a young boy had come forward to undertake the job. Still he agreed to let him try and instructed his men to provide whatever the boy needed.
Thereupon Abhaykumar called for fresh cowdung and threw it at the ring. Then he dropped a bundle of burning grass over the dung so as to turn it into hard dry cake in which the ring had tightly set in. He then arranged for diverting a water canal to the well. As the well got full of water, the dungcake with the ring came floating on the surface of water. Abhaykumar picked it up and got the ring out of the cake.
The king was very pleased when he heard that the young boy from some unknown place had fulfilled his terms. He wanted to see him.
As Abhaykumar was brought in his presence, the king spontaneously felt as if a current of affection was flowing from his heart. He joyfully embraced the boy and asked his name and place of his residence. Abhaykumar gave his name and said that he was coming from Benatat. Shrenik immediately remembered Nanda and asked Abhaykumar whether he knew the businessman Bhadra and his daughter Nanda. Abhaykumar replied that he was the grandson of Bhadra. As Shrenik learnt that Abhaykumar was his own son, his joy knew no bounds. He warmly embraced him once again and inquired about his mother. Shrenik was overjoyed to learn that his wife whom he had forsaken so long, was waiting just a little away. He arranged for her a reception befitting the queen and mother of the would be prime minister. Thus there was happy reunion of the parents. Abhaykumar, as he came to be known thereafter, was then duly proclaimed as the prime minister of Magadha.
Abhaykumar served in that capacity very long. His intelligence knew no bounds. Number of administrative and political problems arose during the realm of Shrenik. Abhaykumar solved all of them to the entire satisfaction of every one concerned.
Even today, the Jain traders write in their accounting books that they may be endowed with the intelligence of Abhaykumar.
ABHAYKUMAR AND MATANGPATI
King Shrenik loved his queen Chellana very much. Once he decided to construct a special palace for her. At his wish Abhaykumar arranged for a magnificent palace erected on one single pillar. People marveled to see such a palace. All sorts of comforts and luxuries were provided there.
Around the palace, he also arranged for setting up a beautiful garden with specially bred plants and trees that gave different types of flowers and fruits all the year round. Chellana was very pleased with this garden. She used to pluck the flowers herself for adoring her hairs and also for preparing garland for her husband. Shrenik thus used to enjoy there every pleasure of life along with his beloved queen.
There was an aboriginal tribe known as Matang. They used to undertake the cleaning work of the city. Their chief, known as Matangpati, was a highly accomplished many Vidyas. e.g. he could stay invisible, etc.
Once his wife, while she was pregnant, begot a strong urge to eat mangoes. She asked her husband to get mangoes. Matangpati ridiculed her untimely desire because it was not the mango season. She however pointed out that the mango trees of queen Chellana's garden used to yield mangoes throughout the year and asked him to get mangoes from that garden.
Since he could stay invisible, he could enter the garden unseen. High up on the trees he saw the mangoes. By his magic spell he charmed one of the mango trees to bend down. He then plucked the mangoes from that branch and took them home. His wife thanked him very much for bringing the delicious mangoes.
In the morning, as the queen came for plucking the flowers, she noticed the loss of mangoes. On inquiry, he realized that somebody must have stolen the mangoes and therefore asked the gardener to keep better watch.
The second night too, Matangpati came there and plucked away the mangoes. The next morning the gardener noticed the loss of the mangoes once again. He reported to the queen that he had been vigilant throughout the night and did not notice anyone come in. Still the mangoes had again disappeared from the same mango tree. It was hard for the queen to believe that any burglar could dare to enter her garden. She however made arrangements for additional watchmen to protect the garden from any unauthorized entry.
As Matangpati's wife could not resist the temptation of eating the delicious mangoes, the disappearance of mangoes continued. Thereupon, Chellana brought this mysterious disappearance to the notice of the king.
Shrenik was wild to know that anyone in his kingdom could dare to indulge in such burglary. He asked Abhaykumar to get hold of the burglar. Abhaykumar kept vigilant watch during the night. He also could not notice anyone even approaching the garden. Yet he noticed in the morning that some mangoes had disappeared.
The next night he decided to keep closer watch. By his minute observation he could notice at midnight, the lowering of the branch of the mango tree and the mangoes being plucked without anyone getting within the garden. He could make out that there was some invisible hand involved.
Then, he arranged for the expert force of watchmen to stay concealed near the mango tree. Next night Matangpati came to the garden and charmed the mango tree as usual. But as soon as the mango tree bent down, the watchmen came out of their hiding place and surrounded the tree as per instructions of Abhaykumar.
Matangpati was not visible but the mangoes that he plucked were visible. It was therefore hard for the burglar to escape piercing the live wall that watchmen had formed. He had to ultimately give way and made himself visible. He was then arrested.
As he was produced in the royal court the next day, king Shrenik was impatient to sentence him to death, because he intended to set an example by beheading the culprit for his daring burglary. Abhaykumar was however impressed by Matangpati’s art and intended to put it to the state use. He had also found out that the accused was not a professional burglar and had resorted to plucking the mangoes simply to satisfy the desire of his pregnant wife. Abhaykumar knew very well how irresistible such desires could be. He had therefore developed a soft corner for the accused and had thought out a plan to save his life.
Accordingly, he suggested that before punishing the accused, the king should learn from Matangpati the mysterious art that he possessed. The king welcomed the idea and asked Matangpati to teach his art. The poor man had no alternative but to comply.
For this purpose he was brought to the palace. There, the king was seated in the royal seat and standing in front of him, Matangpati began teaching the mysterious charms. He used all his diligence. Somehow, Shrenik could not memorize them. He reproached the accused that he was not seriously teaching him.
Abhaykumar thereupon pointed out that the king could not learn, because he was not giving the respect due to a teacher. Shrenik too realized his mistake. He therefore asked Matangpati to occupy the royal seat and the king, himself stood before him as a student. He could then quickly learn the secrets of that art.
Shrenik then consulted Abhaykumar about the appropriate punishment for the culprit. Abhaykumar pointed out that since Matangpati had become his teacher, the king should extend to him the appropriate reward as a preceptor. And what could be a better reward than sparing the life of the preceptor ? The king was pleased with the idea and set Matangpati free.
Around the palace, he also arranged for setting up a beautiful garden with specially bred plants and trees that gave different types of flowers and fruits all the year round. Chellana was very pleased with this garden. She used to pluck the flowers herself for adoring her hairs and also for preparing garland for her husband. Shrenik thus used to enjoy there every pleasure of life along with his beloved queen.
There was an aboriginal tribe known as Matang. They used to undertake the cleaning work of the city. Their chief, known as Matangpati, was a highly accomplished many Vidyas. e.g. he could stay invisible, etc.
Once his wife, while she was pregnant, begot a strong urge to eat mangoes. She asked her husband to get mangoes. Matangpati ridiculed her untimely desire because it was not the mango season. She however pointed out that the mango trees of queen Chellana's garden used to yield mangoes throughout the year and asked him to get mangoes from that garden.
Since he could stay invisible, he could enter the garden unseen. High up on the trees he saw the mangoes. By his magic spell he charmed one of the mango trees to bend down. He then plucked the mangoes from that branch and took them home. His wife thanked him very much for bringing the delicious mangoes.
In the morning, as the queen came for plucking the flowers, she noticed the loss of mangoes. On inquiry, he realized that somebody must have stolen the mangoes and therefore asked the gardener to keep better watch.
The second night too, Matangpati came there and plucked away the mangoes. The next morning the gardener noticed the loss of the mangoes once again. He reported to the queen that he had been vigilant throughout the night and did not notice anyone come in. Still the mangoes had again disappeared from the same mango tree. It was hard for the queen to believe that any burglar could dare to enter her garden. She however made arrangements for additional watchmen to protect the garden from any unauthorized entry.
As Matangpati's wife could not resist the temptation of eating the delicious mangoes, the disappearance of mangoes continued. Thereupon, Chellana brought this mysterious disappearance to the notice of the king.
Shrenik was wild to know that anyone in his kingdom could dare to indulge in such burglary. He asked Abhaykumar to get hold of the burglar. Abhaykumar kept vigilant watch during the night. He also could not notice anyone even approaching the garden. Yet he noticed in the morning that some mangoes had disappeared.
The next night he decided to keep closer watch. By his minute observation he could notice at midnight, the lowering of the branch of the mango tree and the mangoes being plucked without anyone getting within the garden. He could make out that there was some invisible hand involved.
Then, he arranged for the expert force of watchmen to stay concealed near the mango tree. Next night Matangpati came to the garden and charmed the mango tree as usual. But as soon as the mango tree bent down, the watchmen came out of their hiding place and surrounded the tree as per instructions of Abhaykumar.
Matangpati was not visible but the mangoes that he plucked were visible. It was therefore hard for the burglar to escape piercing the live wall that watchmen had formed. He had to ultimately give way and made himself visible. He was then arrested.
As he was produced in the royal court the next day, king Shrenik was impatient to sentence him to death, because he intended to set an example by beheading the culprit for his daring burglary. Abhaykumar was however impressed by Matangpati’s art and intended to put it to the state use. He had also found out that the accused was not a professional burglar and had resorted to plucking the mangoes simply to satisfy the desire of his pregnant wife. Abhaykumar knew very well how irresistible such desires could be. He had therefore developed a soft corner for the accused and had thought out a plan to save his life.
Accordingly, he suggested that before punishing the accused, the king should learn from Matangpati the mysterious art that he possessed. The king welcomed the idea and asked Matangpati to teach his art. The poor man had no alternative but to comply.
For this purpose he was brought to the palace. There, the king was seated in the royal seat and standing in front of him, Matangpati began teaching the mysterious charms. He used all his diligence. Somehow, Shrenik could not memorize them. He reproached the accused that he was not seriously teaching him.
Abhaykumar thereupon pointed out that the king could not learn, because he was not giving the respect due to a teacher. Shrenik too realized his mistake. He therefore asked Matangpati to occupy the royal seat and the king, himself stood before him as a student. He could then quickly learn the secrets of that art.
Shrenik then consulted Abhaykumar about the appropriate punishment for the culprit. Abhaykumar pointed out that since Matangpati had become his teacher, the king should extend to him the appropriate reward as a preceptor. And what could be a better reward than sparing the life of the preceptor ? The king was pleased with the idea and set Matangpati free.
ABHAYKUMAR AND KING CHANDPRADYOT
King Chandpradyot of Malwa was one of the most powerful rulers during the times of Lord Mahavir. His queen Shivadevi was the elder sister of Chellana, the most beloved queen of Shrenik, the king of Magadh.
Being highly ambitious, once Chandpradyot invaded Magadh. As he was proceeding towards Rajgruhi with his large army, Shrenik could not make out how to effectively counter him. His son and the prime minister Abhaykumar however told the king not to worry, because he had his own plan to handle the situation. Abhaykumar arranged for burying valuable treasures on the southern outskirts of Rajgruhi where the invading army was expected to camp.
On reaching Rajgruhi, Chandpradyot camped on that site and sent a message to Shrenik to surrender. Abhaykumar, on the other end, sent an apparently secret message to Chandpradyot stating that his father had effectively bribed Chandapradyot’s generals who would not seriously fight against Magadh’s army and Chandpradyot was therefore running a grave risk. The message contended that Chandpradyot being the husband of the beloved aunt Shivadevi whom Abhaykumar revered, he was concerned about the well being of Chandpradyot and therefore he had sent the secret message.
The message added that if Chandpradyot had any doubt about the message, he could inspect under the ground where his generals were camping and he would notice there the treasures received by them from Shrenik. When Chandpradyot did accordingly, he came across the treasures that Abhaykumar had buried there earlier. Chandpradyot was therefore convinced about the truth of the secret message. He got scared and hurriedly withdrew from Rajgruhi.
On reaching his capital Ujjain, he called for the explanation of the generals. They solemnly affirmed that they were loyal to him and Abhaykumar had effectively tricked him to withdraw. Chandpradyot also could see the game of Abhaykumar and decided to get hold of him anyhow. He made an offer of a fancy prize for anyone who could bring Abhaykumar to Ujjain.
One city dancer accepted the bid. She arranged for acquiring enough knowledge of Jain rituals and formalities. Then along with two young girls she went to Rajgruhi in the guise of pilgrims. They started going to the temple where Abhaykumar used to go for worship.
Once Abhaykumar saw them praying very devotedly. He was much impressed by their devotion. At the end of the prayer, he inquired about their names, place of residence, etc. She replied that she was the widow of a wealthy man of Ujjain and the two girls were her daughters-in-law who had also been unfortunately widowed. The girls wanted to renounce but she had persuaded them to undertake pilgrimage of important places of worship prior to renouncing.
Abhaykumar felt very compassionate that misfortune had befallen on that deeply religious family. He invited them to his place for lunch. The woman contended that they had been on fast that day. Abhaykumar therefore invited them to come to his place the next morning for termination of the fast. Like a deeply religious lady, she replied, “Who knows what is going to happen the next moment ? It is therefore preposterous to make any plan beforehand.” Abhaykumar was too much impressed by her deep religious thinking and sent the invitation the next morning. After termination of fast, he requested them to stay in Rajgruhi for a few days so that he could get benefit of serving them.
Once the woman invited Abhaykumar to her place for dinner. That time she gave him drinks mixed with Chandrahas wine that brings drowsiness. He thus fell in deep slumber. She had made elaborate plans for such event. He was accordingly smuggled out of Rajgruhi during the sleep and was then carried to Ujjain under escort. She then presented him to Chandpradyot who put him into captivity in his palace.
Of all his belongings, Chandpradyot valued queen Shivadevi; messenger Lohjangh; royal elephant Analgiri; and chariot Agnibhiru as the most precious ones. At that time Bharuch in Gujarat was the most important port on the western coast and was under control of Malwa.
Messenger Lohjangh being a fast rider, he could travel from Ujjain to Bhrugukutch within a day. He had to bring frequent messages from Ujjain. The implications of the messages being adverse to the local people, they detested him.
In order to get rid of him, once while he was returning, they placed poisoned sweets in his travel kit. Lohjangh somehow avoided food on his way and reaching Ujjain he presented the sweets to the king. Before any of them could eat the sweets, Abhaykumar, who was there in captivity, got forewarned of the poison from the odor of the sweets. He therefore warned them not to eat the poisonous sweets. Chandpradyot was pleased with him for saving the life and offered him to ask for anything except release from the captivity. Abhaykumar requested that he may be allowed to ask for it at any time that he may select later on. His request was granted.
Chandpradyot had a beautiful daughter named Vasavdatta. She had been adept in all the arts except music. He was very keen to get a capable music teacher for her. Udayan, the young king of Kaushambi, who also happened to be her maternal cousin, was known as expert musician. He could even lure elephants by his music.
Under advice of his ministers, Chandpradyot arranged for preparing a big fake elephant that exactly looked like a real one. There were mechanical devices within its body that could be operated for causing different types of movements like a real elephant. It was let loose in the forest near Kaushambi with armed operators within.
As Udayan’s guards saw the elephant, they informed him about it. Udayan came there and started playing music. People within the elephant managed to show that the elephant was charmed with the music. Simultaneously however they contrived it to move away from Kaushambi.. Udayan followed and got separated from his followers. After a while he could notice that the elephant was under full impact of his music, he therefore jumped over it. Operators from within soon came out, put him in bondage and hurriedly brought him to Ujjain.
Chandpradyot did not want his daughter to see Udayan who was a very handsome and attractive youth. He therefore told Vasavdatta that he had found an expert music teacher who unfortunately happened to be leucodermic. He therefore advised her to learn music from him sitting behind a curtain. To Udayan he said that his daughter wanted to learn music, but being one eyed, she felt very shy. If he taught her staying behind a curtain, she could learn at ease. If Udayan agreed, Chandpradyot would spare his life and make his stay comfortable in Ujjain. Udayan had no alternative at that time. He therefore agreed and started teaching Vasavdatta.
She was very smart in picking up and her voice was very sweet. He therefore pitied that so smart and sweet girl had only one eye. Vasavdatta too was enamored of his voice and cursed the nature for making him leucodermic.
Once while she was thinking of him, she got inattentive to the lesson. Thereupon Udayan got wild and reproached her by calling her one eyed. Vasavdatta was exasperated to hear that. She however guessed that her father might have deliberately lied to him about her. She also thought that her teacher being leucodermic could also be a lie. She therefore raised the curtain and saw that he was handsome and strong. She got attracted to him. Udayan too was enamored to see her beauty. Both of them fell in love and started meeting privately with the aid of a helpful maid of Vasavdatta.
Once the royal elephant Analgiri got out of control and started destroying every thing that he came across. His keepers failed to bring him back to control. Chandpradyot was perplexed and sought advice of Abhaykumar who suggested that Udayan could control the elephant by his music.
As Vasavdatta came to know about it, she urged Udayan to pick the opportunity to please her father. So Udayan brought Analgiri into control by his music. Chandpradyot was pleased with the performance of Udayan and started giving more latitude to him. He also got pleased with Abhaykumar for his right advice and again offered him to ask for anything except the release from captivity. Like the previous one, Abhaykumar once again requested Chandpradyot to keep his promise in reserve. Similarly there were two more occasions when Chandpradyot offered him to ask for anything except the release from captivity.
Then Abhaykumar asked for the following four boons:
(1) The king and queen Shivadevi may sit over the elephant Analgiri along with Abhaykumar;
(2) Lohjangh would ride the elephant;
(3) Chariot Agnibhiru be set on fire and
(4) The elephant may enter that fire with the four of them over it.
As it was not possible for Chandpradyot to comply with the demands, he set Abhaykumar free. While going back to Rajgruhi, Abhaykumar stated that he was brought into captivity, because the city dancer deceived him in the name of the religion; but he promised that he would take Chandpradyot in captivity in the broad daylight.
Once in the season of spring, Chandpradyot planned a grand festival in his favorite garden. There he invited musicians and also asked Vasavdatta and Udayan to participate. For Udayan that was an opportunity to escape. He asked Vasavdatta to get ready for that. She arranged for the speediest female elephant for the purpose. Udayan managed to take the female elephant’s urine in four pots. Then they rode over her and quickly marched towards Kaushambi.
As Chandpradyot learnt about the escape, he sent his men on Analgiri to pursue Udayan. After 100 miles Analgiri got close to the escapees, so Udayan released one pot of urine and rode ahead while Analgiri stopped for the odor of the urine. That way Udayan released one pot every time Analgiri got close. So Analgiri could not reach them before they safely entered the border of Kaushambi. The pursuers had therefore to go back because the army of Kaushambi was ready to give them a fight.
Chandpradyot got furious and started preparations for invading Kaushambi. His advisers however pacified him stating that any way he had to find a suitable match for Vasavdatta and there was hardly any one better than Udayan; he should therefore bless him as son-in-law. Chandpradyot saw the wisdom of the advice. He therefore accepted the fait accompli and sent jewelry and other valuables as gifts to the son-in-law.
Meanwhile Abhaykumar had not forgotten the challenge that he had given to Chandpradyot. He had located a man who closely resembled Chandpradyot. Then along with that man and two beautiful city girls, he came to Ujjain in the guise of a trader. He rented a house on the main road and started carrying his man tied in a rope to the far off place of a physician, while the man kept shouting that he was Chandpradyot, the king of Malwa and that he was being abducted. To the people who inquired, Abhaykumar used to explain that the man was his brother, who out of insanity, thought that he was the king of Malwa. As that became a scene of daily occurrence, people around got accustomed to it and stopped making any inquiry.
Meanwhile those two city girls were flirting and casting their charm around. Once Chandpradyot happened to see them. He was attracted by their beauty and sent his maid for inviting them to the palace. The girls however spurned the offer. Chandpradyot then sent an expert maid together with valuable gifts to persuade them. Then the girls took her in a corner and apparently secretly said that they were attracted by the king, but they were with their brother who was very scrupulous and therefore were unable to oblige the king. They however pretended to confide that their brother was to go out of town after seven day. If the king could therefore secretly come to the place on that day, they would be happy to serve the king.
Chandpradyot was pleased to get the message. On the appointed day he secretly went to the place without any fanfare. As he entered, the girls invited him to the bedroom. Abhaykumar was waiting there. With the help of his man he tied Chandpradyot tight with a rope. At the regular time, he brought him out in bondage apparently for taking to the physician. Chandpradyot was shouting loudly that he was the king and this man was abducting him.
All the people around were however accustomed to witness that scene. No one therefore came to his rescue and Abhaykumar carried him to Rajgruhi with the help of prearranged convoys. There he was presented to Shrenik who was ready to sever his head. Abhaykumar however pointed out that, as king of Malwa, the body of the captive was inviolable. He was brought to Rajgruhi simply for teaching him the lesson that anything can be done by intelligence. The performance being over, Magadh should better offer to him its friendship. Shrenik accepted the advice, released Chandpradyot from captivity and offered him valuable gifts in token of friendship of Magadh.
Being highly ambitious, once Chandpradyot invaded Magadh. As he was proceeding towards Rajgruhi with his large army, Shrenik could not make out how to effectively counter him. His son and the prime minister Abhaykumar however told the king not to worry, because he had his own plan to handle the situation. Abhaykumar arranged for burying valuable treasures on the southern outskirts of Rajgruhi where the invading army was expected to camp.
On reaching Rajgruhi, Chandpradyot camped on that site and sent a message to Shrenik to surrender. Abhaykumar, on the other end, sent an apparently secret message to Chandpradyot stating that his father had effectively bribed Chandapradyot’s generals who would not seriously fight against Magadh’s army and Chandpradyot was therefore running a grave risk. The message contended that Chandpradyot being the husband of the beloved aunt Shivadevi whom Abhaykumar revered, he was concerned about the well being of Chandpradyot and therefore he had sent the secret message.
The message added that if Chandpradyot had any doubt about the message, he could inspect under the ground where his generals were camping and he would notice there the treasures received by them from Shrenik. When Chandpradyot did accordingly, he came across the treasures that Abhaykumar had buried there earlier. Chandpradyot was therefore convinced about the truth of the secret message. He got scared and hurriedly withdrew from Rajgruhi.
On reaching his capital Ujjain, he called for the explanation of the generals. They solemnly affirmed that they were loyal to him and Abhaykumar had effectively tricked him to withdraw. Chandpradyot also could see the game of Abhaykumar and decided to get hold of him anyhow. He made an offer of a fancy prize for anyone who could bring Abhaykumar to Ujjain.
One city dancer accepted the bid. She arranged for acquiring enough knowledge of Jain rituals and formalities. Then along with two young girls she went to Rajgruhi in the guise of pilgrims. They started going to the temple where Abhaykumar used to go for worship.
Once Abhaykumar saw them praying very devotedly. He was much impressed by their devotion. At the end of the prayer, he inquired about their names, place of residence, etc. She replied that she was the widow of a wealthy man of Ujjain and the two girls were her daughters-in-law who had also been unfortunately widowed. The girls wanted to renounce but she had persuaded them to undertake pilgrimage of important places of worship prior to renouncing.
Abhaykumar felt very compassionate that misfortune had befallen on that deeply religious family. He invited them to his place for lunch. The woman contended that they had been on fast that day. Abhaykumar therefore invited them to come to his place the next morning for termination of the fast. Like a deeply religious lady, she replied, “Who knows what is going to happen the next moment ? It is therefore preposterous to make any plan beforehand.” Abhaykumar was too much impressed by her deep religious thinking and sent the invitation the next morning. After termination of fast, he requested them to stay in Rajgruhi for a few days so that he could get benefit of serving them.
Once the woman invited Abhaykumar to her place for dinner. That time she gave him drinks mixed with Chandrahas wine that brings drowsiness. He thus fell in deep slumber. She had made elaborate plans for such event. He was accordingly smuggled out of Rajgruhi during the sleep and was then carried to Ujjain under escort. She then presented him to Chandpradyot who put him into captivity in his palace.
Of all his belongings, Chandpradyot valued queen Shivadevi; messenger Lohjangh; royal elephant Analgiri; and chariot Agnibhiru as the most precious ones. At that time Bharuch in Gujarat was the most important port on the western coast and was under control of Malwa.
Messenger Lohjangh being a fast rider, he could travel from Ujjain to Bhrugukutch within a day. He had to bring frequent messages from Ujjain. The implications of the messages being adverse to the local people, they detested him.
In order to get rid of him, once while he was returning, they placed poisoned sweets in his travel kit. Lohjangh somehow avoided food on his way and reaching Ujjain he presented the sweets to the king. Before any of them could eat the sweets, Abhaykumar, who was there in captivity, got forewarned of the poison from the odor of the sweets. He therefore warned them not to eat the poisonous sweets. Chandpradyot was pleased with him for saving the life and offered him to ask for anything except release from the captivity. Abhaykumar requested that he may be allowed to ask for it at any time that he may select later on. His request was granted.
Chandpradyot had a beautiful daughter named Vasavdatta. She had been adept in all the arts except music. He was very keen to get a capable music teacher for her. Udayan, the young king of Kaushambi, who also happened to be her maternal cousin, was known as expert musician. He could even lure elephants by his music.
Under advice of his ministers, Chandpradyot arranged for preparing a big fake elephant that exactly looked like a real one. There were mechanical devices within its body that could be operated for causing different types of movements like a real elephant. It was let loose in the forest near Kaushambi with armed operators within.
As Udayan’s guards saw the elephant, they informed him about it. Udayan came there and started playing music. People within the elephant managed to show that the elephant was charmed with the music. Simultaneously however they contrived it to move away from Kaushambi.. Udayan followed and got separated from his followers. After a while he could notice that the elephant was under full impact of his music, he therefore jumped over it. Operators from within soon came out, put him in bondage and hurriedly brought him to Ujjain.
Chandpradyot did not want his daughter to see Udayan who was a very handsome and attractive youth. He therefore told Vasavdatta that he had found an expert music teacher who unfortunately happened to be leucodermic. He therefore advised her to learn music from him sitting behind a curtain. To Udayan he said that his daughter wanted to learn music, but being one eyed, she felt very shy. If he taught her staying behind a curtain, she could learn at ease. If Udayan agreed, Chandpradyot would spare his life and make his stay comfortable in Ujjain. Udayan had no alternative at that time. He therefore agreed and started teaching Vasavdatta.
She was very smart in picking up and her voice was very sweet. He therefore pitied that so smart and sweet girl had only one eye. Vasavdatta too was enamored of his voice and cursed the nature for making him leucodermic.
Once while she was thinking of him, she got inattentive to the lesson. Thereupon Udayan got wild and reproached her by calling her one eyed. Vasavdatta was exasperated to hear that. She however guessed that her father might have deliberately lied to him about her. She also thought that her teacher being leucodermic could also be a lie. She therefore raised the curtain and saw that he was handsome and strong. She got attracted to him. Udayan too was enamored to see her beauty. Both of them fell in love and started meeting privately with the aid of a helpful maid of Vasavdatta.
Once the royal elephant Analgiri got out of control and started destroying every thing that he came across. His keepers failed to bring him back to control. Chandpradyot was perplexed and sought advice of Abhaykumar who suggested that Udayan could control the elephant by his music.
As Vasavdatta came to know about it, she urged Udayan to pick the opportunity to please her father. So Udayan brought Analgiri into control by his music. Chandpradyot was pleased with the performance of Udayan and started giving more latitude to him. He also got pleased with Abhaykumar for his right advice and again offered him to ask for anything except the release from captivity. Like the previous one, Abhaykumar once again requested Chandpradyot to keep his promise in reserve. Similarly there were two more occasions when Chandpradyot offered him to ask for anything except the release from captivity.
Then Abhaykumar asked for the following four boons:
(1) The king and queen Shivadevi may sit over the elephant Analgiri along with Abhaykumar;
(2) Lohjangh would ride the elephant;
(3) Chariot Agnibhiru be set on fire and
(4) The elephant may enter that fire with the four of them over it.
As it was not possible for Chandpradyot to comply with the demands, he set Abhaykumar free. While going back to Rajgruhi, Abhaykumar stated that he was brought into captivity, because the city dancer deceived him in the name of the religion; but he promised that he would take Chandpradyot in captivity in the broad daylight.
Once in the season of spring, Chandpradyot planned a grand festival in his favorite garden. There he invited musicians and also asked Vasavdatta and Udayan to participate. For Udayan that was an opportunity to escape. He asked Vasavdatta to get ready for that. She arranged for the speediest female elephant for the purpose. Udayan managed to take the female elephant’s urine in four pots. Then they rode over her and quickly marched towards Kaushambi.
As Chandpradyot learnt about the escape, he sent his men on Analgiri to pursue Udayan. After 100 miles Analgiri got close to the escapees, so Udayan released one pot of urine and rode ahead while Analgiri stopped for the odor of the urine. That way Udayan released one pot every time Analgiri got close. So Analgiri could not reach them before they safely entered the border of Kaushambi. The pursuers had therefore to go back because the army of Kaushambi was ready to give them a fight.
Chandpradyot got furious and started preparations for invading Kaushambi. His advisers however pacified him stating that any way he had to find a suitable match for Vasavdatta and there was hardly any one better than Udayan; he should therefore bless him as son-in-law. Chandpradyot saw the wisdom of the advice. He therefore accepted the fait accompli and sent jewelry and other valuables as gifts to the son-in-law.
Meanwhile Abhaykumar had not forgotten the challenge that he had given to Chandpradyot. He had located a man who closely resembled Chandpradyot. Then along with that man and two beautiful city girls, he came to Ujjain in the guise of a trader. He rented a house on the main road and started carrying his man tied in a rope to the far off place of a physician, while the man kept shouting that he was Chandpradyot, the king of Malwa and that he was being abducted. To the people who inquired, Abhaykumar used to explain that the man was his brother, who out of insanity, thought that he was the king of Malwa. As that became a scene of daily occurrence, people around got accustomed to it and stopped making any inquiry.
Meanwhile those two city girls were flirting and casting their charm around. Once Chandpradyot happened to see them. He was attracted by their beauty and sent his maid for inviting them to the palace. The girls however spurned the offer. Chandpradyot then sent an expert maid together with valuable gifts to persuade them. Then the girls took her in a corner and apparently secretly said that they were attracted by the king, but they were with their brother who was very scrupulous and therefore were unable to oblige the king. They however pretended to confide that their brother was to go out of town after seven day. If the king could therefore secretly come to the place on that day, they would be happy to serve the king.
Chandpradyot was pleased to get the message. On the appointed day he secretly went to the place without any fanfare. As he entered, the girls invited him to the bedroom. Abhaykumar was waiting there. With the help of his man he tied Chandpradyot tight with a rope. At the regular time, he brought him out in bondage apparently for taking to the physician. Chandpradyot was shouting loudly that he was the king and this man was abducting him.
All the people around were however accustomed to witness that scene. No one therefore came to his rescue and Abhaykumar carried him to Rajgruhi with the help of prearranged convoys. There he was presented to Shrenik who was ready to sever his head. Abhaykumar however pointed out that, as king of Malwa, the body of the captive was inviolable. He was brought to Rajgruhi simply for teaching him the lesson that anything can be done by intelligence. The performance being over, Magadh should better offer to him its friendship. Shrenik accepted the advice, released Chandpradyot from captivity and offered him valuable gifts in token of friendship of Magadh.
ABHAYKUMAR AND ARDRAKUMAR
Away from Indian main land there was an island. Its king Ardrak was a friend of Shrenik, the king of Magadh. King Ardrak had a son named Ardrakumar who was brave, youthful, handsome and well behaved.
Once king Shrenik sent an emissary to Ardrak with valuable gifts. Ardrakumar had never seen anything from India. He was impressed by the various types of gifts and was curious to learn about India. He asked king Shrenik's emissary whether his king had any son with whom he could cultivate friendship. The emissary told him about Abhaykumar who was the eldest and the most intelligent son of Shrenik and was also king Shrenik's prime minister. Ardrakumar was interested in establishing friendship with Abhaykumar. He therefore sent him highly valuable pearls as token of his friendship.
Abhaykumar very much appreciated this gesture. He was aware that the people of that island knew nothing about the true religion. Abhaykumar thought attracting Ardrakumar to the true religion could therefore be the greatest gift for Ardrakumar. With that in mind, Abhaykumar sent to him a very impressive idol of Lord Adinath.
Ardrakumar had never seen such an idol. For him it was simply a statue. He however faintly felt that he had somewhere seen such a shape. As he tried to think deeply over it again and again, he remembered his previous life. He remembered that he lived in Vasantpur in Magadh and had a wife named Bandhumati. Both of them had developed detachment from worldly life on hearing the sermon of Acharya Susthitji and both had renounced.
After renouncement, once as they happened to be camping at the same place, he felt an urge to have sex with her. Of course, Bandhumati did not comply. It was merely a mental lapse on his part. Still as a consequence thereof he had been born in that island where the true religion had been unknown.
Ardrakumar started devoutly worshipping the idol in secrecy. He felt very grateful to Abhaykumar for the gift of the idol and was craving to see him. His father however would not allow him to go abroad. In order to prevent Ardrakumar from undertaking any adventure, the king instructed a group of selected soldiers to keep continuous watch over him.
Over a period of time, Ardrakumar created confidence among them by his reliable behavior which caused them to relax their alertness. Meanwhile, he made secret arrangements for a ship and one day making sure that no one was watching him, he sailed to India.
Ardrakumar was keen to undo his lapse of the previous life. Therefore despite the foreboding indications, he renounced as soon as he arrived in India and started moving as a possessionless Muni. Once he came to Vasantpur which was his dwelling place in the previous life. There he meditated in a temple.
Now, Bandhumati was reborn there as daughter of a wealthy trader and was named Shrimati. While Ardrakumar was meditating in standing posture, she came there to play along with her girl friends. As a part of the game, each girl had to select one of the poles as a symbol of husband. When Shrimati's turn came, she somehow caught the feet of Ardrakumar and stated that that was her husband. Ardrakumar was taken aback by this incident. Since he did not want to get involved in any way, he left the place as soon as the girls went away.
As Shrimati attained marriageable age, her father started looking for a suitable match. However, she had not forgotten her play and wanted to marry that Muni. Her father agreed with her, but he did not know how it would be possible to locate and recognize the Muni whom she had seen only for a moment. She told her father that while holding the feet of the Muni, she had noticed an indelible mark there and could therefore easily recognize him, if he came around. Thereupon her father arranged for her to give alms to every Muni that passed through Vasantpur.
That arrangement continued for a long time. However, Shrimati did not lose patience. Eventually, Ardrakumar came there once again. As he came for Gochari (alms), Shrimati immediately recognized him by that mark and held his feet. She said that she had selected him as her husband and had been waiting for him all that time; she could no longer live without him and would court death, if he tried to leave.
It was hard for Ardrakumar to resist her plea. He recalled that all the indications at the time of his renunciation were unpropitious. He realized that his renouncement was untimely and he was destined to lead worldly life for some time. He therefore decided to marry Shrimati.
After some time, Shrimati gave birth to a boy. While his son was still young, Ardrakumar once again thought of renouncing the worldly life. He asked Shrimati to let him go on his mission as she could happily lead her life in bringing up the son. Shrimati did not like the idea of his leaving, but she had no grounds to stop him. She sat at her spinning wheel with tears rolling over her cheeks. When the boy inquired, she said that his father wanted to leave and they would thenceforth be required to lead the lonely life.
Innocently, the boy said that he would bind his father so that he could not go; and then he wound the spun yarn round his father's feet. Ardrakumar was so overwhelmed with the innocent love of the boy that he decided to stay for as many years as the rounds of thread on his feet. There were twelve rounds. He therefore stayed with them for twelve more years. Shrimati thereafter gracefully permitted him to renounce.
Ardrakumar, who was now known as Ardrakmuni, was very keen to be a pupil of Lord Mahavir who was camping at Rajgruhi at that time. He was also very eager to see his benefactor Abhaykumar. He therefore proceeded towards Rajgruhi.
On the way he came across the men who were entrusted by his father to keep watch over him. They could not face his father because of their failure to keep proper watch. They had therefore followed him to India and were looking for him. As it was not possible for them to go back to their country, they were passing their time aimlessly and were surviving on burglary. Ardrakmuni felt compassion for their fate and advised them to lead renounced life like himself. They considered him as their master and were willing to listen to him. The Muni advised them to join him to go to Lord Mahavir for becoming his pupils.
Later on, they passed by a hermitage where the Muni saw meat being sun‑dried. On inquiring he learnt that its inmates had strange notions about nonviolence. They thought that they should subsist on meat of elephant, because by killing only one animal they could get enough food for all of them to survive for many days. The hermitage was therefore known as elephantine hermitage. One elephant was tied in its compound for being slaughtered.
As Ardrakmuni realized the fate of the elephant, he overcame with compassion for the animal. That compassion induced a spark in the elephant to pay his homage to the Muni. He broke the tie and ran towards the Muni. All the people got scared and tried to hide in safe place to protect themselves from the wrath of the animal, but the Muni stood there unafraid.
As the elephant was rushing straight towards him, the people thought that the Muni would get killed. The elephant however slowed down and calmly approached the Muni and gently stroked Muni's feet with his trunk. Ardrakmuni blessed him. Then, feeling free and gratified, the elephant went away towards the forest. The hermits got very enraged at the Muni who had apparently caused them the loss of their food.
The Muni explained to them that they had misunderstood the concept of nonviolence as explained in Jain religion. There is no nonviolence without compassion. In fact, they are two sides of the same coin. Distinction should therefore be made between gross violence and subtle violence.
There is too much gross violence in killing an animal with highly sensitive nervous system. Animal life has far greater sensitivity than plant life. As long as a person breathes, observation of absolute nonviolence is not possible. Therefore, to begin with, nonviolence should be taken as total avoidance of all gross violence and resorting to minimum possible subtle violence that may be necessary for survival. Killing an elephant amounts to very gross violence that cannot be justified.
The hermits understood the truth of his teaching and repented for the violence that they had indulged in. Since they were receptive, the Muni explained to them the true religion in detail. In the end, they decided to become his followers. The Muni however advised them to go to Lord Mahavir for becoming his pupils.
At last Ardrakmuni arrived in Rajgruhi. He first went to Lord's assembly for most humbly offering obeisance to him.
Then he met Abhaykumar and expressed his utmost gratitude for drawing his attention towards the true religion by sending the idol of Lord Adinath. Abhaykumar humbly stated that the Muni was destined to be enlightened and he was simply instrumental in bringing it about. Abhaykumar showed his deep reverence for the Muni and paid homage to him.
King Shrenik also came to the Muni and praised him for the miracles that he had performed with the elephant and the hermits. The Muni stayed with Lord Mahavir as his pupil. For the rest of his life he scrupulously observed all the restraints of a Muni and in the end attained salvation.
Once king Shrenik sent an emissary to Ardrak with valuable gifts. Ardrakumar had never seen anything from India. He was impressed by the various types of gifts and was curious to learn about India. He asked king Shrenik's emissary whether his king had any son with whom he could cultivate friendship. The emissary told him about Abhaykumar who was the eldest and the most intelligent son of Shrenik and was also king Shrenik's prime minister. Ardrakumar was interested in establishing friendship with Abhaykumar. He therefore sent him highly valuable pearls as token of his friendship.
Abhaykumar very much appreciated this gesture. He was aware that the people of that island knew nothing about the true religion. Abhaykumar thought attracting Ardrakumar to the true religion could therefore be the greatest gift for Ardrakumar. With that in mind, Abhaykumar sent to him a very impressive idol of Lord Adinath.
Ardrakumar had never seen such an idol. For him it was simply a statue. He however faintly felt that he had somewhere seen such a shape. As he tried to think deeply over it again and again, he remembered his previous life. He remembered that he lived in Vasantpur in Magadh and had a wife named Bandhumati. Both of them had developed detachment from worldly life on hearing the sermon of Acharya Susthitji and both had renounced.
After renouncement, once as they happened to be camping at the same place, he felt an urge to have sex with her. Of course, Bandhumati did not comply. It was merely a mental lapse on his part. Still as a consequence thereof he had been born in that island where the true religion had been unknown.
Ardrakumar started devoutly worshipping the idol in secrecy. He felt very grateful to Abhaykumar for the gift of the idol and was craving to see him. His father however would not allow him to go abroad. In order to prevent Ardrakumar from undertaking any adventure, the king instructed a group of selected soldiers to keep continuous watch over him.
Over a period of time, Ardrakumar created confidence among them by his reliable behavior which caused them to relax their alertness. Meanwhile, he made secret arrangements for a ship and one day making sure that no one was watching him, he sailed to India.
Ardrakumar was keen to undo his lapse of the previous life. Therefore despite the foreboding indications, he renounced as soon as he arrived in India and started moving as a possessionless Muni. Once he came to Vasantpur which was his dwelling place in the previous life. There he meditated in a temple.
Now, Bandhumati was reborn there as daughter of a wealthy trader and was named Shrimati. While Ardrakumar was meditating in standing posture, she came there to play along with her girl friends. As a part of the game, each girl had to select one of the poles as a symbol of husband. When Shrimati's turn came, she somehow caught the feet of Ardrakumar and stated that that was her husband. Ardrakumar was taken aback by this incident. Since he did not want to get involved in any way, he left the place as soon as the girls went away.
As Shrimati attained marriageable age, her father started looking for a suitable match. However, she had not forgotten her play and wanted to marry that Muni. Her father agreed with her, but he did not know how it would be possible to locate and recognize the Muni whom she had seen only for a moment. She told her father that while holding the feet of the Muni, she had noticed an indelible mark there and could therefore easily recognize him, if he came around. Thereupon her father arranged for her to give alms to every Muni that passed through Vasantpur.
That arrangement continued for a long time. However, Shrimati did not lose patience. Eventually, Ardrakumar came there once again. As he came for Gochari (alms), Shrimati immediately recognized him by that mark and held his feet. She said that she had selected him as her husband and had been waiting for him all that time; she could no longer live without him and would court death, if he tried to leave.
It was hard for Ardrakumar to resist her plea. He recalled that all the indications at the time of his renunciation were unpropitious. He realized that his renouncement was untimely and he was destined to lead worldly life for some time. He therefore decided to marry Shrimati.
After some time, Shrimati gave birth to a boy. While his son was still young, Ardrakumar once again thought of renouncing the worldly life. He asked Shrimati to let him go on his mission as she could happily lead her life in bringing up the son. Shrimati did not like the idea of his leaving, but she had no grounds to stop him. She sat at her spinning wheel with tears rolling over her cheeks. When the boy inquired, she said that his father wanted to leave and they would thenceforth be required to lead the lonely life.
Innocently, the boy said that he would bind his father so that he could not go; and then he wound the spun yarn round his father's feet. Ardrakumar was so overwhelmed with the innocent love of the boy that he decided to stay for as many years as the rounds of thread on his feet. There were twelve rounds. He therefore stayed with them for twelve more years. Shrimati thereafter gracefully permitted him to renounce.
Ardrakumar, who was now known as Ardrakmuni, was very keen to be a pupil of Lord Mahavir who was camping at Rajgruhi at that time. He was also very eager to see his benefactor Abhaykumar. He therefore proceeded towards Rajgruhi.
On the way he came across the men who were entrusted by his father to keep watch over him. They could not face his father because of their failure to keep proper watch. They had therefore followed him to India and were looking for him. As it was not possible for them to go back to their country, they were passing their time aimlessly and were surviving on burglary. Ardrakmuni felt compassion for their fate and advised them to lead renounced life like himself. They considered him as their master and were willing to listen to him. The Muni advised them to join him to go to Lord Mahavir for becoming his pupils.
Later on, they passed by a hermitage where the Muni saw meat being sun‑dried. On inquiring he learnt that its inmates had strange notions about nonviolence. They thought that they should subsist on meat of elephant, because by killing only one animal they could get enough food for all of them to survive for many days. The hermitage was therefore known as elephantine hermitage. One elephant was tied in its compound for being slaughtered.
As Ardrakmuni realized the fate of the elephant, he overcame with compassion for the animal. That compassion induced a spark in the elephant to pay his homage to the Muni. He broke the tie and ran towards the Muni. All the people got scared and tried to hide in safe place to protect themselves from the wrath of the animal, but the Muni stood there unafraid.
As the elephant was rushing straight towards him, the people thought that the Muni would get killed. The elephant however slowed down and calmly approached the Muni and gently stroked Muni's feet with his trunk. Ardrakmuni blessed him. Then, feeling free and gratified, the elephant went away towards the forest. The hermits got very enraged at the Muni who had apparently caused them the loss of their food.
The Muni explained to them that they had misunderstood the concept of nonviolence as explained in Jain religion. There is no nonviolence without compassion. In fact, they are two sides of the same coin. Distinction should therefore be made between gross violence and subtle violence.
There is too much gross violence in killing an animal with highly sensitive nervous system. Animal life has far greater sensitivity than plant life. As long as a person breathes, observation of absolute nonviolence is not possible. Therefore, to begin with, nonviolence should be taken as total avoidance of all gross violence and resorting to minimum possible subtle violence that may be necessary for survival. Killing an elephant amounts to very gross violence that cannot be justified.
The hermits understood the truth of his teaching and repented for the violence that they had indulged in. Since they were receptive, the Muni explained to them the true religion in detail. In the end, they decided to become his followers. The Muni however advised them to go to Lord Mahavir for becoming his pupils.
At last Ardrakmuni arrived in Rajgruhi. He first went to Lord's assembly for most humbly offering obeisance to him.
Then he met Abhaykumar and expressed his utmost gratitude for drawing his attention towards the true religion by sending the idol of Lord Adinath. Abhaykumar humbly stated that the Muni was destined to be enlightened and he was simply instrumental in bringing it about. Abhaykumar showed his deep reverence for the Muni and paid homage to him.
King Shrenik also came to the Muni and praised him for the miracles that he had performed with the elephant and the hermits. The Muni stayed with Lord Mahavir as his pupil. For the rest of his life he scrupulously observed all the restraints of a Muni and in the end attained salvation.
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