Atimukta and Arjun Malakar Diwakar Chitrakatha 059

Author(s): Virendramuni, Sanjay Surana
Publisher: Mahavir Seva Trust Mumbai
Catalog link: https://jainqq.org/explore/006656/1

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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)

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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. y mm 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.

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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

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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

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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 SHvSHn 20

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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

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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.

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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. 17deg, Vollow ain Education International For Private 23ersonal Use Only

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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

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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

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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

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Sudarshan replied - to chit 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 Yun He 200 Arjuna malakar chto 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

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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

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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

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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. lmrrhy 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

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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

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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.

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Mudgarapani left the body of arjun. My religious preacher Picture taken from : ILLUSTRATED ANTAKRD-DASA SUTRA, Editor : Shri Amar Muni