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.
रविवार, जुलाई 05, 2009
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.”
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.
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