Page #1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
________________
A Mahavir Seva Trust Presentation
DIWAKAR CHITRA KATHA
Atimukta Kumar &
Anjun Malakar
Vol 59 Rs. 25.00
(Garland Maker)
O
Father ! Please send one lace gold coin
each to the makers of ascetic-groom and ascetic-pots
as well as the barber.
Waa
( Two. Interesting. Tales)
Page #2
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
________________
ATIMUKTA KUMAR AND ARJUNA MALAKAR
Bhagavan Mahavir said 'Soul is Supreme-soul (The God)'. Right effort, with pure feelings, in spiritual practices takes a soul to the level of Supreme Soul. We have presented the stories of two such virtuous souls who attained the state of liberation (Moksha) through their own efforts. The first story is - 'Sage Atimukta'. The story of his life is available in Antakritdashanga Sutra and Bhagavati Sutra.
Ganadhar Gautam, the chief disciple of Bhagavan Mahavir, was once moving about seeking alms in Polaspur city. A boy saw him and brought him home with earnest request. After collecting alms, when Gautam Swami started back the child followed him to Bhagavan Mahavir's religious assembly (Samavasaran). Listening to Bhagavan's pious words, he was filled with feelings of detachment and finally got initiated.
After rains ascetic Atimukta one day accompanied the senior ascetics to jungle for nature's call. Looking at flowing water his playful child nature surfaced. Raising a sand wall he blocked the flowing water and put his ascetic pots on the surface to float. Then he uttered with joy, “Float my boat! Float!” The moment senior ascetics saw this activity of Atimukta defying ascetic-discipline, anger was visible on their faces. Atimukta corrected himself and was remorseful of his deed. With earnest repentance he purified himself. When the ascetics returned to Bhagavan they told him about this incident and asked, “After how many rebirths he will get liberated?” Bhagavan said, “This is his last birth before he gets liberated. Though small in body, his soul is great." After vigorous austerities ascetic Atimukta attained liberation.
The second story is about Arjuna Malakar. His story is available in the eighth section of Antakritdashanga Sutra. How a simple garland-maker (malakar) turned to be a cruel murderer and then how his life suddenly changed when he was about to hit Shravak Sudarshan merchant. He came to Bhagavan Mahavir's Samavasaran and after listening to the Sermon got initiated. From Arjuna Malakar he became ascetic Arjuna and took to the path of ascetic-discipline. As people knew him only as a ferocious murderer, they hit him angrily with sticks and stones when they saw him unarmed and dressed in white. Ascetic Arjuna endured all this with equanimity and forgiveness. Within a short period of six months he cut the Karmic bonds and got liberated. It is a unique and astonishing story.
These tales published as a comic-book will leave permanent imprints of forgiveness, compassion, austerity, generosity and righteousness on your mind.
Associate Editor: Sanjay Surana
Editor : Shri Virendra Muni
English Translation: Surendra Bothara
Illustration : Satya Prakash Tiwari
PUBLISHERS
SHREE DIWAKAR PRAKASHAN
A-7, AWAGARH HOUSE, OPP. ANJNA CINEMA, M.G. ROAD, AGRA-282 002. Ph. : (0562) 2851165, Mob.: 93192 03291. E-mail : sansuman21@rediffmail.com
MAHAVIR SEVA TRUST A-7, SAGAR NIWAS, IST FLOOR, OFF MANCHHUBHAI ROAD, MALAD (E),
MUMBAI-400 097. Ph. : (0) 28443949
Page #3
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
________________
Atimukta Kumar King Vijaya and queen Shridevi of Polaspur had a handsome
and charming son prince Atimukta. One day mother Shridevi woke her son with loving words
Wake up son! It is dawn and the sunlight is filling the palace with soft glow. Hurry up ! No
more delay.
10222
D
The child shed his lethargy and got up.
After taking his bath etc. the prince went to play with his friends in a nearby garden. While playing he saw Gautam Swami on the highway going from door to door to collect alms. Boy Atimukta got curious
ny
P
59
9.1
.
Oh ! Who is he? Why does he wander this
way?
LOTTO
er this
25
Tatra
Page #4
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
________________
Atimukta Kumar The boy rushed to the sage and asked Hearing this the boy said
Oh ! That's Revered one ! Son ! I am a
the matter. Please Who are you and Shraman' and
come to my residence. why do you walk I move around
My mother will offer around thus ? to collect alms.
you ample food.
an
27
ou
DOGC
20 Ded
With these words prince Atimukta held Gautam Swami's finger and lead him to the palace. The innocent love and request of the child made Gautam Swami accompany him. On the way the child asked -
Revered one! Why do you beg?
Child ! This is the ascetic code. We wander among upper and lower class families to collect bits of pure alms and
follow the path of restraint as preached by Bhagavan Mahavir.
# Jain ascetic
Page #5
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
________________
Atimukta Kumar
Thus while talking they came near the palace. Mother Shridevi was overwhelmed with joy when she saw Atimukta leading Gautam Swami holding his finger. She rushed to the gate and paid homage to the sage
Oh! It's our good luck Muniraj that you have
graced us with your presence. Please bless us with an opportunity to
offer you alms.
Mother! Please offer him enough food to stop his wanderings.
The mother offered alms to the sage.
Gautam Swami accepted food as per his code and turned back to leave. The child asked
Son ! Outside the city my spiritual teacher,
Bhagavan Mahavir, is Where
staying in Shrivan will you go garden. I go back now ?
there only.
So, he is your spiritual teacher. May I also accompany you
to meet him?
Sure! You will be happy to behold him.
12oue
After this nod from Gautam Swami prince Atimukta also went along to behold Bhagavan.
For Private Personal Use Only
Page #6
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
________________
Atimukta Kumar On reaching the garden, Gautam Swami Bhagavan Mahavir gave his sermon in the large paid homage to Bhagavan by bowing and assembly and narrated pious tales for Atimukta's going around him thrice. Prince Atimukta
benefit also bowed with devotion after covering his mouth with handkerchief.
These sensual and worldly TO
pleasures are but momentary DO Y
and cause long lasting pain.
To get those pleasures man drifts from the path of self-restraint that leads
to eternal bliss.
09
COOOOOO
YOE
With this resolve he requested Bhagavan with folded hands
Prince Atimukta was deeply impressed by the sermon. Imprints of piety from the past birth evoked desire for spiritual bliss in his mind.
Bhante ! I am deeply impressed and inspired by your preaching. I want to get initiated as an
ascetic by you.
(I will also og follow the
path of asceticdiscipline,
ADVOU
Beloved of gods ! Do as you please and avoid any stupor
in a noble cause.
Page #7
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
________________
Atimukta Kumar Getting Bhagavan's permission prince Atimukta Hearing about their son's lofty goal the returned to the palace and conveyed his desire parents laughed and said for initiation to his parentsFather and
Son ! You are a mother! Please
small kid. Initiation is allow me to join
not a cakewalk. This Bhagavan's order
is your age to play as an ascetic.
games.
1 oo
200
%
NO
o
DIC
NOW
vodlo
12
(alog
To these words Atimukta replied —
Atimukta replied
Mother! What I know, I am unaware of that; and what I don't know I am well versed
with that.
Teace
No, father!
Son ! So far you I have seriously
are ignorant of tested my strength.
fundamentals. What My resolve for 10
you know about initiation is firm.
00
0
0
/
am
religion ?
200 000
Cox
19900
gooc
Loo
STOIDIOLO
For Private 5 Personal Use Only
Page #8
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
________________
Atimukta Kumar
On hearing such puzzling statement, the parents stared at Atimukta with surprise.
Son! What are you telling? We don't get its meaning. What do you know and what not?
Then Atimukta explained
DO
OPE
Doodlocs
Father! One who is born in this world is certain to die. This is what I know. But when and how he will die,
I am not aware of.
IDlo
OOG
00
Orolo
ara
Horolla
1010
Page #9
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
________________
Atimukta Kumar Also, I don't know why a soul is born in infernal, animal, divine or human genus;
but I know that his birth in those worlds is due to his auspicious
or inauspicious karmas.
Listening to such deep and mysterious speech by Atimukta the parents realized that his determination was firm. His wish to renounce the world was very strong. Still they tried to frighten him by cleverly telling about the hardships on the path of self-restraint
a
Son! The path of selfrestraint is harder than walking on fire.It is like
walking on sword's edge. It is like swimming
across an ocean.
ITO
Page #10
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
________________
Atimukta Kumar Prince Atimukta was unmoved by these words, he said - Father! Human life is
full of many torments like old age, death, diseases and physical and mental agonies. It is momentary like a drop of
dew on a grass-tip.
beca
When Atimukta was undisturbed even after hearing about difficulties of ascetic life, the parents tried to lure him with worldly pleasures -
0
0
Son ! You are healthy, handsome and born in a royal
family. Enjoy your good-luck, youth and beauty. After we die and when you get old enough
you may go for initiation.
Mother ! This body is supported
by wood-like bones and surrounded by blood vessels.
It is like an old house and requires frequent maintenance. Everyone has to leave this body
but who will leave it first, me or you, is uncertain. Therefore by getting initiated I want to make right use of my life.
UN
For Private Personal Use Only
Page #11
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
________________
Atimukta Kumar Realizing that Atimukta could not be influenced through fear or allurement, the parents unwillingly said -
All right, son ! We permit you to get initiated but we want you to enjoy regal grandeur for a day. We want to crown you just
for a day.
1000
809
10000
Atimukta honoured his parents' wish with silence.
Next day preparations for Atimukta's coronation started. Whole Polaspur was decorated. Drums and flutes were played all around. It became the talk of the town
Dupuyupa
Our prince is being crowned just for a day. Later on he will
get initiated.
Yes, brother ! At
The path of self-restraint
The pat this tender age such is very tedious. How this detachment is A delicate prince will tread unseen.
this difficult path.
Variety of views floated in the air and eagerness of the people to witness the coronation of their prince increased.
For Private 9 Personal Use Only
Page #12
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
________________
Atimukta Kumar
Soon arrived the coronation day. Splendour of the court was worth seeing. Prince Atimukta was adorned with precious royal attire. He was seated on the throne and coronation rituals including anointing by water from 108 urns were performed.
May King Atimukta be victorious !
YOU
After the coronation, king Vijaya asked Atimukta
Sire! Since this day you are the king of this state. What is your command for us?
go
Start preparing for my initiation. One Lac gold coins be
given to the barber from the treasury. I want to get my head
shaved for initiation.
PO
22
OOOOOOO
dol
For Private 10 ersonal Use Only
Page #13
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
________________
Atimukta Kumar King's order was fulfilled. After getting shaved and left with just a small ponytail, Atimukta wore the crown again. King Vijay asked again
What is the
command now ?
Yes, brother! What strange
The colour of
detachment is, orders from
indeed, fast CHO CON
our king ?
00000000000
Father ! Pay another one Lac coins for the ascetic-broom and one Lac for bowls to respective makers and get the essential
ascetic equipment.
Soon the order was fulfilled.
Next morning the renunciation procession was taken out. Prince Atimukta left for Srivan garden in a palanquin. Mother Shridevi sat on one side and his governess sat on the other with the bowl and ascetic-broom. Passing through the city the procession reached Bhagavan Mahavir's Samavasaran.
50.0
okolo
to
CEO
XOXO
TO
HET JY
OC
For Private
Personal Use Only
Page #14
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
________________
Atimukta Kumar On reaching Shrivangarden Atimuktachangedhis dress. In the ascetic attire he came before Bhagavan. Hisparents requested Bhagavanforhisinitiation
LOUSOV00
OYOQO
2000OOS Bhagavan ! Our beloved son is disturbed
O beloved of gods ! Don't by the mundane life. delay in religious affairs. Kindly accept him as
your disciple.
ABUDU
Owe
Djo101011
On getting Bhagavan's consent Atimukta got formally initiated.
After the initiation ritual saint Atimukta got deeply involved in the study of eleven Angas including Samayik.
Then started the monsoon season*. One day it had rained heavily. Saint Atimukta set out with seniors for nature's calletc.
u Eve
IEEE
# The corpus of Jain scriptures attributed to Bhagavan Mahavir.
* Chaturmas
Page #15
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
________________
Atimukta Kumar Near a hill the saints dispersed for nature's call. Saint Atimukta returned before others. He saw rain water flowing downhill in streams with musical sound. His playful childhood sentiments surfaced.
22 CU
How nice! How beautiful is the flowing stream ! I will float my
boat in it.
S2
From one side he blocked the water flow by raising a sand dam, put his bowl on the surface and moved it around with his fingers. He sang with joy
02
I may also swim ! As my boat floats !
TEM
For Private
Personal Use Only
Page #16
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
________________
While he was playing, the seniors returned. They saw ascetic Atimukta playing in Sachit water [raw water infested with living organism] and got furious. One of them scolded him loudly
Eri
Atimukta muni! This act does not
suit you. Stop it at once.
Atimukta Kumar
SATO
He tried to search within for the cause of the anger of the seniors. He soon became aware of his restrictions and repentedOh! By floating the bowl in raw water I violated the ascetic-discipline. O Bhagavan! How could I commit such a blunder?
The first scolding of his life and Atimukta muni trembled with fear. He at once took his bowl
out from water
and started
thinking
Why am I so terrified? Why there is fear even after coming to the fearless? What wrong have I done to invite such scolding?
Lightning of wisdom sparked in the sky of his mind and rains of self-censure started. Pure water of repentance cleansed his heart.
14
Page #17
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
________________
Atimukta Kumar When the saints returned to Bhagavan, they started
discussing
What if he is a child? Once he got initiated he must abide by the ascetic code.
Bhagavan again addressed them
Saint Atimukta is bodily small but great in thoughts. He is more profound than ocean and higher than, the Himalayas. He has a pristine soul and he is venerable. On the spiritual path only virtues are revered and not the physical body. Therefore, O noble ones! Take proper care of ascetic Atimukta and offer food, water and other services to him.
Wa
whop
Bhagavan was aware of the thoughts of the senior ascetics. He said
O noble ones! Child saint Atimukta is innocent by nature. He will get liberated in this birth only. Don't criticize or belittle him. Don't be angry with him.
15
SODICE
Doleont
C000
Rule
Page #18
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
________________
These noble words of Bhagavan Mahavir removed all doubts in the minds of the senior ascetics. They started serving ascetic Atimukta with respect and devotion.
Atimukta Kumar Saint Atimukta spent many years strictly observing the ascetic code and rigorous austerities. His delicate body withered. He observed the long serial penance called Gunaratna Samvatsar. This made his body extremely weak.
16 | 16
15
15
14
13 13
12 | 12 11 11 11 10 10 10
999
8
8
( 6 5
77 17
6 6 6 5 5 5
D 5
(
Ascetic Atimukta ! It is time for food.
( 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 D (2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2
11111111111111 Gunaratna Samvatsar Penance Index
In the end he went to Vipul Giri hill, observed the ultimate penance of Sanlekhana Santhara and attained perfect, enlightened and liberated state.
322
ES
THE END The theme. This story tells us that purity and simplicity is necessary in life. The rare state of liberation that is difficult to attain even by accomplished and scholarly practicers is easily attained by unspoiled, simple and pure souls.
16
Page #19
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
________________
ARJUNA MALAKAR Arjuna malakar (garland maker) lived in Rajagriha.
Near the town he had a beautiful garden full of variety of colourful and fragrant flowers. Selling flowers was his livelihood.
یا امام
IN
.
M
Each morning, as a rule, he first of all plucked flowers and offered to a Yaksha" image in a nearby Yaksha temple. One morning
O Mudgarapani Yaksha ! offer to you the best flowers of my garden. Please bless me with your
kindness.
53
SEL
A
DOO
After offering flowers to the Yaksha, Arjuna left for the market with flowers.
17
# A class of gods.
Page #20
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
________________
Arjuna malakar He sat at his fixed place along the highway to In the evening Arjuna returned home sell flowers. His flowers were famous throughout and told his wife Bandhumatithe city and everyone praised them
Listen, tomorrow there All right, beloved !
will be more demand of Vow ! How beautiful Y Arjuna ! Tomorrow there
flowers, so we will go to flowers ! How sweet, is a festival in the city, so
the garden before dawn fragrance ! I require more flowers.
to pluck flowers.
All right, will bring more.
Next day they got up early and left to collect flowers.
In the town lived a group of six friends, popularly called Gaushtak Mandali. The king had granted them amnesty and the group became rowdy and wild. By chance next morning when the group was enjoying in the garden the members saw Arjuna and Bandhumati. One of them said -
Move ! Let's hide behind the door of the temple. As soon as they walk in we will grab them.
Come let us tie the gardener and enjoy his
wife.
Look ! How beautiful is the
wife of the gardener ?
They hatched the plan and hid behind the door.
18
Page #21
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
________________
Arjuna malakar
After some time Arjuna entered the temple to offer flowers. Suddenly all the six group members hiding behind the door attacked.
Oh ! What are you
1530b80 doing ? Who are you?
Tie his hands and hang him head down.
izazorv
Tie
him !
Hold him !
Tying up Arjuna, they threw him aside and started Helpless Arjuna was highly misbehaving with his wife
perturbed. He thought Come
Oh ! This Yaksha l worship from my close to
childhood is, in fact, not a Yaksha me ! Ha! Ha!
or a god, else he would definitely come to my rescue at this hour of need. It is just a wooden statue.
19
Page #22
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
________________
Arjuna malakar
Mudgarapani Yaksha (mace bearing deity) from within the statue read Arjuna's agony and thought
With this spark of thought the Yaksha came out of the statue and entered Arjuna's body.
Alas ! My staunch devotee Arjuna has lost faith in me. I must do something for him.
Podo
AB
With Yaksha's power Arjuna broke all ties.
Hitting with the mace he killed all the six group members as well as Bandhumati.
Then the Yaksha possessing Arjuna's body lifted the extremely heavy mace from the statue.
RS
Oh! I am
dying
שושן
20
Page #23
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
________________
Arjuna malakar
Then he began wandering around outskirts of Rajagriha and killing six men and one woman everyday.
Run away ! This murderer will kill
us all!
SAT
Arjuna terrorized the masses. No one dared to go outside the town limit.
Due to Arjuna's terror king Shrenik made an announcement in the city
no
Nobody should cross the city limit beyond which Arjuna wanders.
Oo
For Private
Personal Use Only
Page #24
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
________________
Arjuna malakar
During that period a very rich Jain merchant Sudarshan lived in Rajagriha. One day he came to know that Bhagavan Mahavir had arrived in Gunasheel garden, outside Rajagriha. He was delighted and thought
OCTO
Flor
Tol
0000
He went to his parents to seek permission to go behold Bhagavan. The parents got afraid the moment they heard of his desire to go out of town. They said
Oh! Today Bhagavan has arrived near
our city. I will also go to pay him homage.
Son! Pay homage to Bhagavan from here only. Don't go there. Arjuna wanders outside the city and kills innocent people.
0
22
0
O
O
0
O
O
2000
0
D
0
D
0
Father and mother! When Bhagavan Mahavir is here in person and his religious assembly goes on, how can I pay homage and salutations from here only. Please allow me to go there.
Page #25
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
________________
Arjuna malakar
0
The parents again persuaded him but Sudarshan was adamant. Finally they came out with a logical advice
Son ! Our body is the primary means of spiritual accomplishment. If you are killed, this means of spiritual pursuit will be lost. As such, don't go there.
Sudarshan replied
) (??
O Mother! If this body is the primary means of religious
pursuits then it is a golden opportunity for me. If I die while
going to behold Bhagavan it would, indeed, be death on the
religious path. What better fortune could there be than my
dying on such an occasion.
On hearing the logic offered by son, Parents were unable to counter the reply. They realized that besides being brave, their son was also a great devotee of God. He would not deviate from his decision to go. Then they thoughtfully permitted him to go.
Alright son! You may go there. May be this paves a way
and makes it convenient for the people of Rajgrah to
behold the God.
17°, Vollow
ain Education International
For Private 23ersonal Use Only
Page #26
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
________________
Arjuna malakar After taking leave from parents Sudarshan put on clean garb and left Rajagriha for Gunasheel garden. People watched him from the city gate with curiosity —
The way to Gunasheel garden passes through the
Yaksha temple.
2 c
powy
afw
an
He is sure to die
today.
Sudarshan was moving ahead carefree. As he reached near the Yaksha temple the Yaksha possessing Arjuna's body saw him coming.
Hey ! How dare he come alone this way. Now I will
at once kill him.
LE
The angry Yaksha rushed to kill him. When Sudarshan saw the Yaksha coming to kill him he remained undisturbed and stopped in his tracks.
couve It appears that this is Mudgarapani Yaksha. Now he will kill me. I must say
my last prayer.
ooood
24
and
callon International
Page #27
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
________________
Arjuna malakar He then wiped the ground with his scarf and covered his mouth. Facing east he sat on the ground with raised left knee and joined palms. Bowing his head he uttered
My obeisance to Arihants and Siddhas. If there were any shortcomings in the householder-vows that I took under your auspices, then I critically review my acts. I renounce eighteen sins and accept the conditional ultimate vow. If I escape this torment alive I will break the fast but if I die then I renounce
all intake till death*.
Thus after taking the ultimate vow he sat in meditation focusing on Bhagavan. The Yaksha came near and tried to hit him waving the mace, but
Then the Yaksha started going around Sudarshan merchant. He was still unable to strike him with the mace. At last he stood still facing Sudarshan and stared at him. Suddenly
Hey! What is this? Why can't
I wave the mace? Why my hand has gone numb?
Oh ! What is wrong with me ?
Why have this burning sensation. I am dying. If I don't
abandon this body and escape I will turn to ashes.
MC
The Yaksha tried hard but failed to hit Sudarshan merchant.
# Sagari Santhara
25
Page #28
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
________________
Arjuna malakar Within seconds the Yaksha left Arjuna's body and ran away towards the temple. Arjuna's body fell down with a loud thud.
Thud.....
Thud.....
CO
Disturbed by the noise Sudarshan opened his eyes and saw Arjuna lying on the ground.
Oh! It appears that the crisis is over. The killer himself
has fallen.
Sudarshan merchant formally concluded the ultimate vow. He got up and lightly touched Arjuna's head. Soon Arjuna garland-maker awoke and sat. Seeing Sudarshan merchant, he asked with surprise
O Noble one! Who are you? How did you escape the Yaksha?
For Private & Casonal Use Only
Page #29
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
________________
Sudarshan replied -
то чит
www
www
CLIC
4AAA
I am a devotee of Bhagavan Mahavir. It was simply the miracle of chanting his name that made the Yaksha abandon your body and run away.
FUN OLD ARE
Taking Arjuna along, Sudarshan came to Bhagavan Mahavir's Samavasaran and after paying homage sat
down on a side. Arjuna also paid homage to Bhagavan and sat near Sudarshan. Bhagavan gave his sermon
to the large gathering including Arjuna and Sudarshan. He explained the gist
云盒200
Arjuna malakar
что
PICOX
Hearing about Bhagavan, Arjuna said
I also want to atone for my sins by paying homage to such noble person,
Anger burns self as well as the other. It destroys truth, character and modesty
and leads to a lowly rebirth. Therefore, noble ones! Win over anger. Evoke feeling of forgiveness in life.
Yes, indeed! Come along, I am also going there to pay homage.
Sudarshan returned home after listening to the sermon.
27
Page #30
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
________________
Arjuna malakar
But Arjuna did not go. He stayed back. After the assembly dispersed he atoned for his bad deeds before Bhagavan and submitted —
00
Bhante ! I have committed grave sins and I want to atone for them. Please guide me to salvation.
Arjuna! Observe equanimity in life. Purify your soul through austerities. You
will gain salvation.
Arjuna decided to take to the path of forgiveness and austerities. He got initiated as an ascetic by accepting five great vows. Garland-maker Arjuna now became ascetic Arjuna.
Arjuna ! Always remember that if a person is angry on an ascetic or
even abuses him, the ascetic should always remain equanimous and consider forgiveness to be the ultimate religion. He should bear no ill feelings towards such
ignorant.
Bhagavan ! I accept the vow of equanimity for life.
Ascetic Arjuna took the preaching of Bhagavan Mahavir to heart.
28
Page #31
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
________________
Arjuna malakar
After initiation ascetic Arjuna took a tough vow
O Lord! Today onwards
I will move around
enkindling my soul by observing a two-day fast sequence all
my life.
Then ascetic Arjuna devoted himself to cleansing his soul of the sins he had committed. Just after initiation he observed a two-day fast. On the breakfast-day he studied during the first quarter of the day and during the second quarter he meditated.
During the third quarter he went out to collect alms. While moving around in Rajagriha someone recognized him
YTATTUNATE
Look! He is the same Arjuna Malakar who killed
my father.
He killed my brother. Beat him !
Hey! He brutally murdered my wife and kids.
oc
29
For Private
Personal Use Only
Page #32
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
________________
Arjuna malakar People started hurting ascetic Arjuna by pelting stones, hitting him with bamboo sticks, kicking and slapping him.
Hit ! Kill !
It is perhaps the result of my sinful deeds. As such, I should bear it with equanimity. Ascetic Arjuna endured all this calmly and returned without alms.
Next day he again observed two-day fast. After two days he again came to Rajagriha for alms. People again insulted and beat him. He again returned calmly.
المرارهای
I have murdered their family
members. In comparison their revenge is negligible. I have acquired bondage of grave demerit. Perhaps their such reaction will reduce the
burden of my sins.
With equanimity he again returned without alms.
30
Page #33
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
________________
Arjuna malakar This way ascetic Arjuna continued to wander for alms, facing afflictions with patience and endurance. Whatever little pure alms he got, he accepted without any ill feelings.
TODOXOXO O Lord !
KOOOOOOO Today I got pure water
only.
Ascetic Arjuna purified his soul by great austerity of alms-collection and observed the ascetic code for six months. After that he observed the ultimate vow for fifteen days and attained liberation.
THE END
For Private
Personal Use Only
Page #34
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
________________
VIJAY THIEF
One day a servant named Panthak was taking out Devadutt for playing. The boy was adorned with costly dress and ornaments. At that time a thief known as Vijay kidnapped the boy. He took his costly dress and ornaments and threw him in a deep well. The boy died. Panthak informed Dhanna of the kidnapping who, in turn, at once informed the city guards. On investigation the body of the boy was found in the well. Following the trail the guards caught the thief Vijay who was hiding in dense shrubs. They beat him up and put him in the prison.
A few days later merchant Dhanna was also imprisoned for some minor offence. Thief Vijay and Dhanna merchant were put in the same shackle. Dhanna's wife Bhadra sent rich food to the prison for Dhanna. When Dhanna started eating, Vijay demanded some items to eat. How could Dhanna give food to the killer of his son? Therefore, he refused. Later when Dhanna wanted to go for nature's call he asked Vijay to come along. As the two were tied in the same shackle one could not move without the other. Vijay refused, "I have gone without food and water; so I will not go. If you want you may go alone." For some time Dhanna tried to contain the urge. But how long could he? At last Dhanna had to promise Vijay to share his food before he agreed to go along.
Panthak was the servant on duty to take food for Dhanna to the prison. When he saw Dhanna sharing food with thief
Vijay, he thought, "What sort of person this merchant is? He is sharing his food with the murderer of his child." On his return the servant informed Dhanna's wife of this. She became angry that her husband was nurturing the killer of her son. After some time Dhanna was released. When he reached home and saw his wife in anger he asked. "Are you not happy that I am back from the prison." Bhadra said, "You shared food with the killer of my son, that is why I am angry." Dhanna explained, "I did not offer him food as my duty or charity but to facilitate the unavoidable nature's call." This satisfied Bhadra and she was relieved of her anger.
n Rajagriha city a merchant named Dhanna lived happily with his wife. After a long time and a lot of prayers the couple got a son. They named him Devadutt.
Message The merchant was forced to share food with the killer of his son. In the same way a spiritual aspirant has to nurture his body with food and other essentials in order to facilitate spiritual practices. As Dhanna gave food to a thief to fulfil his essential need, an ascetic eats food merely to facilitate pursuing his spiritual goal. This important message has been lucidly presented in this tale.
Page #35
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
________________
Good Literature is Your Best Friend Colourful Jain Story Books (Chitra Katha)
Based On Famous Jain Subjects. The simplest and easiest way to get acquainted with Jain religion, Philosophy, culture, history and way of life. Entertaining as well as informative, these picture books make the incidents from the life of the persons you revere come alive. They open up the glorious past of the Jain culture for you and your children. Set of 60 Books Rs. 1500/- (In India). US $ 150 (Abroad) Postage Include.
KING KUMARPAL
RIVIN RISINDA
Abhay Kumar
And
Chandracharya
1111
BHARAT CHAKRAVARTI
ARYA STHULABHADRA
Emperor
MALLINATE
GAUTAM THE AMBROSIA - MAN
FAMOUS TITLE
Price Rs. 25/- each book
Bhagwan Rishabhadev Bhagwan Mahavir Vol. I & II Bhagwan Parshvanath Bhagwan Shanti Nath Bhagwan Mallinath Bhagwan Neminath Miracles of Namokar Mantra Wisdom Stories of Abhay Kumar Kshamadan The Moral Stories of Bhagwan Mahavir
The Fortune Rich Dhanna or Princess Chandanbala
Reap What You Sow Maha Sati Madan Rekha Miracles of Siddhachakra
The Inspiring Story of Megh Kumar r Prince Shrenik
Arya Sudharma - The Young Yogi Jambu Kumar Sati Anjana Sundari
Jagat Guru Shree Heer Vijay Suri Bharat Chakravarti King Kumarpal and Hem-Chandracharya Arya Sthulabhadra Puniya Sharavak Gautam (The Ambrosia-Man) Emperor Vikramaditya Acharya Bhadrabahu Ajatshatru Kunik Nandishen
Please send your amount by Draft/M.O. to any of the following AddresseeSHREE DIWAKAR PRAKASHAN
MAHAVIR SEVA TRUST A-7, Awagarh House, Opp. Anjna Cinema, A-7, Sagar Niwas, Ist Floor, Off Manchhubhai M.G. Road, Agra - 282 002.
Road, Malad (E), Mumbai - 400 097. Ph.: 0562-2851165, 93192 03291.
Ph. : 28811397, (R) 28443949
Page #36
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
________________ Mudgarapani left the body of arjun. My religious preacher Picture taken from : ILLUSTRATED ANTAKRD-DASA SUTRA, Editor : Shri Amar Muni