Emperor Samprati Diwakar Chitrakatha 044

Author(s): Jinottamsuri, Shreechand Surana
Publisher: Mahavir Seva Trust Mumbai
Catalog link: https://jainqq.org/explore/006644/1

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A Mahavir Seva Trust Presentation
DIWAKAR CHITRA KATHA
EMPEROR Vol.aSAMPRATI
Vol. 44 Rs. 25.00
09

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EMPEROR SAMPRATI
The names of Emperor Ashoka and his grandson Emperor Samprati occupy very important places in Indian history. Samprati enjoys almost the same eminence in Jain history that Ashoka enjoys in Buddhist history. Even after thousands of years, the exemplary contribution of Emperor Samprati towards spread of Jain religion and culture, in and outside India, still remains a bright and inspiring chapter in Indian history.
The incident of Ashoka's son Kunal getting blind finds mention at numerous places in ancient Jain scriptures including Churni (seventh century Vikram), Bhashya, and Tika. Also included along with are stories about past births of Samprati as well as his sending accomplished Shravaks to foreign lands for spreading Jain religion far and wide. As such, there cannot even be a shred of doubt about his historicity. However, it is surprising that except for a passing mention, Indian historians have conspicuously ignored this illustrious, valourous and religious emperor. Why?
This biographical sketch of Emperor Samprati's life projects various human virtues like Kunal's deep devotion for his father, the ideal compassion of Acharya Suhasti; Samprati's devotion for religion, Jina, and guru; his important deeds of benevolence and, of course, his valour and diplomatic acumen. The narrative presents the ideal character and life of Samprati in an inspiring manner.
The story is based on the popular book titled 'Samrat Samprati' by Pandit Kashinath Jain. This book mentions numerous historical evidences.
This picture-story version has been written by Acharya Shri Vijaya Jinottam Suri, the successor of Acharya Shri Vijaya Sushil Surishvar ji.
-Shrichand Surana 'Saras'
Written by : Acharya Shri Vijaya Jinottam Suri
Managing Editors: Dr. Mansukhbhai Jain, Sanjay Surana
Editor: Shrichand Surana 'Saras'
Translator: Surendra Bothara
PUBLISHERS
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EMPEROR SAMPRATI
From Avanti prince
Kunal sends his homage to his father.
Patliputra today celebrates the victory of Emperor Ashoka. In a large hall the emperor sits on a high throne. On two sides sit his ministers, state-priest, commander-in-chief, other dignitaries and
thousands of citizens. A messenger enters with a letter in a golden tray
13
Adhiyatam Kumarah
The Emperor instructed his secretary to write a letter and retired to his palace.
After sometime the secretary brought the letter. The Emperor read it and added a line
(educate the prince).
I will also write my blessings to the prince in a letter.
It was meal-time. Leaving the letter the emperor left for the dining room. Queen Tishyarakshita looked around and found herself alone. She took a needle and with the collyrium from her eyelids put a black dot on the emperor's message."
Pry
Then he put his seal on the letter.
She put the letter back and went to the dining room.
# Kunal was the son of Emperor Ashoka's deceased senior queen. On her death-bed, the emperor had promised her that Kunal will be his successor. Tishyarakshita and other queens wanted to kill Kunal. Aware of this, the emperor shifted Kunal, away from Patliputra, to Avanti Jain for security reasons.

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Emperor Samprati. After sometime the emperor sent his letter The minister composed himself and read the with the messenger. When at Avanti the letter minister read the letter he was taken aback.
The Emperor Kunal inquired -
writes Uncle, is there some bad news? You have just become quiet after reading it. Please tell me about the message from my father.
Andhiyatam Kumarah. (Blind the
Oh God! prince.)
Such cruel
order!
DU
yoyyor
What?
An ominous silence swept across
thecourt. People looked at each L' other.
OXOCOU
Kunal said —
It became the talk of the town —
Hey ! Did you hear that on an order from his father the prince
has blinded himself.
It is my duty to obey my father. Bring iron needles
and make me blind.
AR
Emperor Ashoka
cannot give such order. How can a father
issue and order to blind his own son?
OF
peDD0/
Kunal took hot iron needles in his hands and piercedhis own eyes.
It appears
to be a conspiracy by
the stepmothers of the
prince.
A gloom descended on
the assembly # Queen Tishyarakshita had changed 'Adhiyatam' Kumarah to 'Andhiyatam Kumarah'.

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Emperor Samprati A few days later a messenger came to Emperor The Emperor was shocked when the messenger Ashoka with the news
showed him the letter Following your
Who changed order, Prince
adhiyatam to Kunal has
andhiyatam and blinded
when? Who is this himself.
unknown enemy?
What! When did | give such an order?
Emperor Ashoka was overwhelmed with sorrow.
In Avanti blind Kunal grew up under loving care of governess Sunanda. In the isolation imposed by blindness he made Taanpura" his companion. When alone he would play Taanpura and sing devotional songs.
Jai Adinath the saviour of the world. Hail the Detached one, the source of beatitude....
Time passed at its own pace.
One day Sunanda, the governess of Kunal, sent a letter to Emperor Ashoka
Sunanda's homage to Emperor Ashokavardhan. Prince Kunal is 20
years old. He leads a quiet life worshipping the Lord. I humbly submit that if married to a suitable princess, he will once again
experience joys of life.
VIUS 676
# A Sitar-like musical instrument.
Instrument.

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Emperor Samprati After reading the letter, the emperor issued an Following the order, prince Kunal was made the order and sent it to Avanti. The minister read the ruler of a small kingdom. order
A small kingdom is given to prince Kunal. Find a suitable match and arrange for
his marriage.
And he was married to Sharatshri, the daughter of a ruler of a small kingdom
LAN
One day kunal said to Sharatshri -
The prince and his wife worshipped the Lord and then sang devotional songs. The audience was enthralled —
Today is the Ashadh Purnima # "Let us go to a Jina
temple for worship.
Great! What a sweet voice. Commendable devotion.
Without the worship of the Lord life is
worthless.
O
On the full moon night the temple resonated with devotional music.
# full moon night of the month of Ashadh.

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Next morning Sharatshri asked Kunal -
Good Idea.
The ascetic said
Come and listen to the words of the Omniscient in my discourse. You will have peace in life.
# ascetic-hostel.
Emperor Samprati

My Lord! An ascetic disciple of Arya Suhasti stays in the nearby upashraya # Let us pay our homage to him.
The prince and his family went to pay homage to the ascetic, who said
Sire! Please teach me religion, it is the only hope for an invalid.
Now the prince went to the discourse daily with his family. The words of the Omniscient made him happy. One day the prince requested the ascetic
Sir! Your preaching has made me detached from the world. I want to embrace ascetic discipline for the upliftment of my soul.
5
Prince, I was enchanted by your devout performance last night. It is an excellent combination if devotion is supplemented with religious knowledge and conduct.

Prince, you can follow religious conduct only as a householder. Your blind
ness disables you to observe compassion to beings and without that purity of ascetic conduct cannot be pursued.
ary.chp

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Sir! How then can I observe codes, vows, and righteousness to the best of my ability as a householder? Please guide me.
40
Emperor Samprati
KAUSHAMBI, THE CAPITAL OF VATSA During that period the calamity of draught struck Magadh, Anga, and other areas. Kaushambi, the capital of Vatsa, was the worst effected. In every street, at every doorbeggars were calling
Beat us! Hunger is killing us. You too kill
us please. Death is better than this hellish life. At least hunger will not torment us.

O Kind one! We have not put even a grain in our mouth for last three days. Our children are wailing with hunger. Have pity and give a piece of bread.
The ascetic explained the code of householder's conduct to the prince. Kunal and Sharatshri both accepted the householders' vows.
Lets
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Go away!
DAN

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At that time two young ascetics approached merchant Dhanpal's house to seek alms.
The guards detained him
Emperor Samprati
Welcome, Gurudev.
Wait here.
Gurudev has come for alms. Don't make noise.

Seeing the Shramans (ascetics), the gatekeeper left the gate open. With the Shramans a beggar also stealthily entered the house. The guards checked him
YOO
Hey! Where are you going? Stop at once.
W
Sir, I have
not eaten for last three days. See my sunken belly and ribs. Please give just one bread. I have gone weak due to hunger but still not dying.
The beggar looked hopefully
7

Oh! How rich the food looks. Even the smell makes mouth water.

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This is enough. please stop.
Emperor Samprati
The lady insistsGurudev ! Just a little
Kheer (a pudding).
No. We don't need any more.
Gurudev! Please accept these
sweets.
Seeing all this the beggar standing outside the gate was astonished. He forgot begging and thought
How wretched is my life in comparison with these ascetics. Yesterday the merchant had beaten me and
send me away. Now the same stingy merchant offers rich and tasty food to the ascetics with devotion.
Worthy is their life.
pood
BE
The two ascetics came out after collecting alms. The beggar thought
I won't get anything from this stingy merchant, why not beg from these ascetics. The Jain ascetics are kind. If they give just a little, I will have my fill. mana
The beggar came running to the ascetics
O ascetic! For three days I have been wandering around
Jussins without even a grain of food. You are kind.
Please give me some food from
your bag.
SU
NO
yopiga

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Emperor Samprati The pathetic words stopped the ascetics in their
The ascetics
said tracks -
Revered one! I am running
around hungry for last
three days. Instead of food I What is the
get beatings. I am so weak it
is difficult even to walk. Just matter,
a little food from you can gentleman ?
save my life.
We are not allowed to give food to anyone. You should come to our Guruji. Only he can give you food.
The beggar followed the ascetics to their upashraya. Arya Suhasti stood just outside the hostel. The ascetics paid homage. The beggar stretched his hands
O divine one! O great sage! Be kind to me and
get me some food. I am dying with hunger.
Mathaena Vandami.
Acharyashri looked at the beggar and was moved seeing his wretched condition. Closing eyes, the sage pondered over. Suddenly his face brightened --
Oh! This incident augurs of
a bright future. The soul that is a beggar now will
someday become an instrument of promotion
of Jain religion.
Oo
# These Shramans were disciples of Arya Suhasti who was a Dashapurvadhar Acharya, having knowledge of ten subtle canons. The successor of Arya Sthulabhadra was Dashapurvadhar Acharya Mahagiri. Suhasti o and Mahagiri both were disciples of Arya Sthulabhadra.ersonal Use Only

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With these thoughts Acharyashri said Son! An ascetic cannot give the alms he got from an householder to another one.
Emperor Samprati
O kind one! I am dying with hunger. Is it not your duty to save a dying person?
Jain E
Acharyashri at once initiated that beggar and gave him the ascetic-garb
Man! If you become an ascetic you can eat as much as you like. Only an ascetic can eat the food put into these alms-pots.
Come in, now you may eat as much as you like.
After that, Acharyashri presented the new ascetic before the congregation and said
The newly initiated hungry ascetic gobbled up the rich food.
10
I am ready. Please initiate me. On becoming an ascetic I will do as you say.

This ascetic was initiated today.
S

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Rich merchants and their wives paid homage to the ascetic. They touched his feet as well. The ascetic thought
baby
Before sunset the new ascetic
said
Tam hungry, please give me food,
My stomach has bloated. I can't even breathe.
These rich couples one day caned me. Pushed me and made me run away. Since I became an ascetic today, they touch, my feet. Great is this, ascetic life.
حمد

Emperor Samprati
Here is all the collected alms. Eat as much as satiates your desire.
The hungry man rushed to the food. After some time he said
CMALAYAN S
Acharyashri said to the new ascetic
See, this is the glory of the life of detachment. This world worships renunciation and vows.
11
Over eating
has caused
him cholera. I
He fell on the ground and tossed about. Merchant Dhanpal called a doctor. The doctor examined his pulse
will give him the medicine,
Gurudev! Please guide me how to go about vows. Also teach me religion.

First satisfy your hunger today, then we will start your lessons.
C

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Emperor Samprati Many rich merchant started nursing the new Looking at the deteriorating condition of the asascetic. Someone applied ointment on his cetic, Acharyashri sat near him and inspired him belly, some other massaged his palms. The to meditate ascetic thought
Remain calm. The great merit
of becoming an ascetic will Oh! What a change after I got initiated.
bring attainments and glory in
your next births. These merchants are nursing me. I am very
Gurudev! How much indebted to my
fortunate I am to Guruji.
be an ascetic
In this pious state of mind the life of the new ascetic came to an end. The shravaks performed the last rites with due reverence.
The joy on the face of Kunal was short lived --
AVANTI In the evening Kunal was sitting alone and playing sitar on the roof top. Governess Sunanda came and congratulated him
Congratulations Kunal, Sharatshri has given birth to a beautiful and radiant son.
Mother! What will Don't get disheartened.
be the future of Sharatshri has seen the child who has elephant, lion and Kalpbeen born in the vriksha in her dream. house of unlucky
These auspicious signs person like me?
indicate that your son 1 is indeed extremely Sfortunate. Believe me.
Great!
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Emperor Samprati After twelve days Sunanda put the infant in
Son! God blesses those Kunal's lap and said
whose endeavours are Son! How beautiful and lovely
good. You will also have your son is. The auspicious
to make some efforts. marks on his body, fate-line, and aura on his face indicate
Mother! Tell me that he will one day be a great
what a blind Mauryan emperor.
man like me
could do? God willing, it will
be so.
Son! You should go to Patliputra.
No, you should please the King of Magadh with the art of your music. And then seek a kingdom for
your son.
Should I go and beg
from my father?
Kunal uttered in disappointment.
The governess advised.
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Emperor Samprati Kunal's face brightened at these words of Sunanda. He took his taanpura and stood up
Mother ! Your words Son!. Your have electrified and dream is
certain to enthused me. I am
come having dream of a
true. beautiful future. I will certainly go to
Patliputra.
Next day blind Kunal hung his taanpura and a bag on his shoulders, took a stick in his hand and left for Patliputra in the disguise of a poor singer.
To share joy comes everyone, and
to share misery, none
PATLIPUTRA A blind singer is roaming around on streets of Patliputra singing devotional songs. A crowd follows him and people say -
Brother, how divinely charming
he is. His voice is melodious and BROS
filled with pathos. What a touching performance. His taanpura
is magical.
1A

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People ask him — What is your name?
Emperor Samprati I am Suradas, the blind taanpura-walah.
Where do you come from? Who else is with you?
Lord's creation is my home
and this taanpura is my family.
To
R ASYS
Answering questions and singing he would proceed further. On whichever crossing he stood and sang he attracted large crowds.
One day Emperor Ashoka said in his assembly --||
Sire! A blind singer has come to the
city recently. Whole city madly admires Working since morning
his singing. If you listen to his songs I am dead tired. Arrange
you will feel refreshed. for some music and
dance.
The Emperor ordered
Call him. I will listen to only his music
today.
15

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Emperor Samprati. Kunal was called to the assembly and given a seat behind a curtain. He moved his fingers on the strings and the magical sound of his music filled the hall. Emperor Ashoka was enchanted.
Great! How enchant
ing. Astonishing sweetness. You have opened flood-gates of
devotion. This is the first such astonishing experience
in our life.
12
My Lord, I crave
to behold you. eorg
For a long time the musical notes continued to echo. The audience was enthralled. After some time the performance concluded. The hall reverberated with the sound of applause.
At the end of the applause the emperor said —
Suradas! Your music is beyond praise. Ashoka, the emperor of Magadh is pleased with you.
Seek what you wish.
Suradas once again put his fingers on the strings and sang a verse - I am the great grandson of
Chandragupta and the grandson of Bindusara. The invalid blind son of Ashoka
seeks just a kagini (a coin of very small denomination),
As you say, sire.
CIMAAT
KOT

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The words astonished the emperor
Is it you my son Kunal ?
NENERA
Oh! This is the doing of that witch.

Emperor Samprati
Yes father, I am your er unlucky son Kunal who at your command became blind.
Oooo
The Emperor embraced Kunal. Tears flowed from his eyes.
The Emperor tried to recall the past. With a shock he recalled
Come darling, it is time for lunch.
Son! How did this happen?
He at once called his guards
Song
17
Father, who else is to be blamed but my bad luck. There is no use shedding tears over spilt milk.

Please proceed my lord. I will soon join you.
Arrest queen Tishyarakshita and put her in prison.

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Then he addressed Kunal
Son how can I atone
for my misdeed?
Emperor Samprati. Father I have
The prime minister inter
vened — sought Kagini from
Sire! The prince has you. That is enough
sought everything in the for me.
name of Kagini which, in context of princes, also
means kingdom
But son, what will you
do with a kingdom? For whom do you want my
empire ?
Son! What an insignificant thing you have sought.
Just a Kagini ?
Father! You have been blessed with
a grandson.
What? Is it true ?
The emperor at once sent ministers to fetch them. They were brought to Patliputra with due honour. With elaborate celebrations the emperor announced
Just now I got the news, therefore, name the child as Samprati. I make him the crown prince, the
future ruler of
Patliputra.
YANAYA
TOT
The Emperor was filled with joy on hearing the news about Kunal's son. He askedWhere are my daughterin-law and grandson?
They are in the
village you gave me and
are fine.
HAVA
The celebrations went on for a week.
# Samprati

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Emperor Samprati
In due course the emperor arranged for his Now Kunal lived in Patliputra with his family.
princely education and he studied with various As time passed Samprati started growing.
teachers. DUUL
Son! Scriptures GG
are greater than
weapons.
28
Education of politics.
Martial arts.
One day while prince Samprati was sitting in the assembly near the emperor a horse merchant came from Gandhar. He presented a magnificent horse to the emperor - Sire! This is an
But, Sire, it does excellent horse in all
not allow any one to respect. The king who
ride it. Many great owns it will certainly
warriors found it become a Chakravarti difficult to control Emperor.
and ride.
The Emperor looked at Samprati What you say Sire! Playing with son! Do you
horses comes like this horse
naturally to ? Would you Kshatriyas. Please ride?
allow me.
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Sire! The prince is still immature. To control this horse is not a joke.
Emperor Samprati
Merchant! Forget it. These arms are strong enough to subdue all the powers in this world.
Samprati gave a whiplash to the horse. The horse raised its forelegs and whimpered.
The merchant took it as a challenge-
If you are able to ride this horse I will gift you one hundred horses. But if not, what will you give me ?
20
The prince took out a pebble from his pocket and pressed it in the middle of the horse's ear-lobe. The horse calmed down.
ピンク
The cost of
a hundred horses.
Suddenly the prince jumped and took to the saddle. He tightened the reigns and the horse started trotting in circles.

MESSE
Everyone laughed.
Oh God! The horse will throw the prince on the ground. Beware princel
Now the prince kicked the horse and it galloped.

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After one hour the prince returned and brought the horse near the merchant
Here, take your horse. To ride such horse is a child's play.
Sire! I have lost the wager and I gift hundred horses to you,
One day Ashoka the great was sitting in his palace with his family. He said to Kunal
As you say, father.
Gelt
Son! Now Samprati has become a mature young man. There are numerous proposals for his marriage. Make arrangements for his marriage.

Emperor Samprati
The Emperor embraced Samprati
0000
Son! your brilliance, valour and bravery will certainly make you an emperor one day.
Samprati was married to many princesses. At the time of the marriage ceremony the emperor made an announcement
21
00000
Now I am old. It is time to devote my time to religious activities and worship. Therefore, I want to hand over the reigns of the empire to Samprati.

Thus along with the marriage ceremony the coronation of Samprati also took place.

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Emperor Samprati Not much time passed before Emperor When he arrived near Kashi the spies informed the Ashoka died. The state of Magadh was in king of Kashi -
Emperor Samprati is mourning for some time. When Samprati
a great and accomcould compose himself he thought
plished warrior. He VA N U I should
has an invincible
army. To fight a war expand my
with him is to emempire.
brace destruction,
The kings of Kashi and other states jointly decided
Nothing will be gained by
bloodshed. The rising sun cannot be covered by clouds.
SO
With a large army he launched his mission of conquering Kashi, Kaushal, and other states.
After this conquest Emperor Samprati came to Avanti. He was given a grand reception.
These kings welcomed Samprati and offered him rich gifts and their daughters in marriage. Samprati accepted the gifts in goodwill -
I don't require your riches. (We accept your
Neither do I want to
destroy the people. Live sovereignty.
peacefully under the reign of Magadh. That is my
only command.
Hail Emperor Samprati!
Long live Emperor Samprati!
After annexing Kashi and other eastern states, Samprati marched to the west and conquered Malava, Gujarat, Saurashtra, and many other states. He spread the Magadh empire far and wide.
22

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Emperor Samprati The Emperor went straight to the palace and For a few moments Sharatshri was bedazzled touched the feet of his parents. The mother ad- but then suddenly became serious. Samprati mired the glory of her son with astonishment.
inquiredHer eyes were brimming with tears and her voice Mother ! Are you Son ! It is not that. was choked. Samprati said —
not happy seeing Which mother will Mother! See the glory of your
the glory of not be happy to see son. All these thousands of
your son ? her son conquering kings and princes, the great
the world. But... empire of the whole Aryavarta karapatan
(India) is now at your feet.
pantona
AD
But what, mother ? Have
I missed something ?
Son ! After fighting many wars and killing
thousands of people what did
you gain ?
The empire of the whole Aryavarta, Mother! An empire larger than those of my grandfather and his ancestors. Is
there still something left ?
Son ! An empire gained
through violence has never brought happiness to anyone. Even A chakravarti like Brahmadatt and a great conqueror like Ajatashatru Kunik left their empires and were born in hell.
OLDUQDOS
23

Page #26

Emperor Samprati Hearing these words from his mother Samprati If you want to know about the path became serious. The mother added
of happiness and bliss ask Arya Mother! Then
Suhasti. He is coming to Son ! I am not tell me how can
this city tomorrow. disappointed to see please you? I will Alright, mother, I will your flag furling on half do what brings
do as you say. the continent. But happiness neither am!
happy.
to you.
All night Samprati contemplated --
Tomorrow Arya Suhasti will come and I will ask him how to please mother. I will also seek
the path of my own bliss.
In the morning the emperor was walking on the rooftop. He saw a large procession on the road approaching. Numerous bands and drums were being played. Following these were merchants and dignitaries, young and old, and then thousands of women singing and dancing. In the middle was a large silver chariot with the image of Jivanta Swami. Behind these came an impressive, radiant, and divinely saint dressed in white foilowed by hundreds of Shramans and Shramanis.
ex
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Page #27

Emperor Samprati From the rooftop the emperor watched all His attendants carried him to his bed, sprinkled this. Suddenly he looked at the elderly and some water on his face, and fanned. When he impressive saint. He carefully observed his regained consciousness some scenes emerged face -
in his memory - I seem to know this extremely
Give me food. serene great person. I have seen
him somewhere? Why a mere glance at him fills me with such affection ? I feel like going to him and bowing at his feet. I have seen
him. I have ived with him. F
DOO
Thinking thus the emperor became unconscious and fell
He sat up and looked around. The attendants asked -
With these words Samprati rushed down from the palace and ran after the procession. His guards and ministers followed him. They said to each other
Sire! What happened? How do you feel
now?
I am alright. Where is Gurudev?
What hap pened? Why the emperor is
running?
I don't know.
Without any further question they also ran after the emperor.
25

Page #28

Emperor Samprati When the people saw the emperor running barefoot they Not that. gave him way. Samprati arrived before Arya Suhasti. Go- Gurudev, tell ing around him three times he paid homage to the as
me my true cetic. Acharyashri looked at him in surprise. With joined
identity. palms Samprati asked - Yes, you are Emperor
Samprati, the grand son of
Emperor Ashokavardhan. Gurudev! Do you
Who does not know you recognize me?
O son of Kunal, the epitome of devotion.
SU
Acharyashri said laughing.
For a few moments Acharyashri stared at him.
Then he smiled and said -
O king! I have recognized you well. In Kaushambi a beggar got initiated in order to eat sweets. Overeating
caused his death the very same day. That soul is present before me
today as Emperor Samprati.
On hearing about the emperor's earlier birth those present there looked at each other in astonishment.
26
Education International

Page #29

Emperor Samprati After this the emperor said —
The Emperor again bowed and asked —
O king! The fruits of pure Gurudev! The best fruit of religion 1
Samayik Charitra are What are is liberation and the
unlimited. But you just the fruits of normal fruits are attain
Bhagavan! touched the Samayik religion ? ing wealth, grandeur, etc.
What is the fruit Charitra without resolution
of Samayik and as its fruit you got Charitra ?
this large wealth of an
empire.
E
AR
Gurudev! I got all this wealth through your blessings only. Therefore I submit my empire to you.
Emperor! We detached ascetics possess nothing, not even a needle. How can I accept the grandeur of an
empire?
Gurudev! Please
show me the religious path. Only
yesterday my mother told me that you will show me
this path.
Emperor! Just now you should join this procession and worship Jivanta Swami. I will answer to your queries at the proper time.
CHICO
The Emperor joined the common people barefoot in the procession.
27

Page #30

Next day Emperor Samprati came to pay homage to Acharyashri. After due formality he Lasked
Bhagavan! How can I
please my mother?
Emperor Samprati
O king! Your mother is very religious. You can
please her only by doing religious deeds.
On the last day of the Chariot festival the emperor instructed his courtiers
O courtiers! I don't require your wealth. You are free to enjoy your kingdom and power. I have only one wish. Please accept Jain religion and engage in activities of promoting Jain religion. Please inspire your people to involve in religious activities. That is my only wish.
Your wish is an order for us.
All the courtiers present there became followers of Jainism.
Bhagavan! Tell me what to do?
Oking! Constructing new temples and renovating old temples of the Jina is highly meritorious deed.
After this Emperor Samprati turned into a staunch Shravak and strict follower of shravak-vows.
Gurudev! Now what is my primary duty?
You have the capacity to undertake this work. O king! Shraman, Shramani, Shravak, and Shravika are the four pillars of the religious order. Serving them, is also highly meritorious
One day the emperor asked Acharyashri
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O king! Temple of the Jina is a powerful means of religious worship. As long as Jain temples remain people will be inspired to be religious.

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Emperor Samprati
In presence of Acharyashri Samprati took a resolve
From this day I will accept food or drink only after I get the news of construction or renovation of a temple every morning.

One morning the emperor came to pay homage to Acharyashri and requested-King! The people of those countries are not conversant with ascetic ways. How can ascetics get faultless food as alms there?
Gurudev! My empire extends to many other countries outside Bharat
khand (India of that period). Why don't you send your disciples there for promotion of religion?
Emperor Samprati called some scholarly elders and said Please dress as ascetics and go to foreign countries. Get Jain temples constructed there and teach the people about the ascetic conduct. You will be provided with all assistance from the state.
I will make necessary arrangements for that.
Some scholarly preachers went to foreign countries. They were accompanied by state employees and soldiers. People inquired about the shravaks in ascetic garb -
Who is he? ITE
29

He is the guru of Emperor Samprati. Please pay homage to him and learn religion from him.

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Emperor Samprati Taking them to be the guru of the emperor people The spies of Emperor Samprati brought him visited these apparent ascetic. The scholars ex- news from these foreign lands. One day the plained them about the ascetic ways and emperor requested Arya Suhasti - discipline.
Gurudev! Now people
in foreign countries Why
have also started dress like
following Jain religion. this? We observe
Please send some ahimsa and live
ascetics there. away from our
families.
Once on a Paryushan day the emperor witnessed a scene and memories from his earlier birth surfaced.
Acharyashri sent some selected Shramans to countries including Persia and Greece. The shravak preachers who were already there requested - We are now well
conversant with the language
and culture of this country. Please initiate us as ascetics. We want to remain here and
promote religion.
One day I was
also seeking (bread moving door
to door.
The visiting Shramans found them qualified and initiated them. Thus promotional work on Jainism started in far away countries. Thousands of people embraced Jainism.
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Education International

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Emperor Samprati The thought of the agony of a man dying with Acharyashri once said to the emperor hunger made the emperor shiver. He called his officers and gave instructions
LUUUU
Outside all the four gates
of the city construct large eating houses. No destitute, suffering and invalid should sleep
hungry
In absence of knowledge religion cannot last long. Therefore people should be
educated.
On the dictate of the emperor eating houses were opened. Everyday thousands of poor people got free food.
Following the advise of Acharyashri Samprati issued orders
In all cities of the
empire schools should be opened.
Free education should be provided to children and
youth all.
Thus Emperor Samprati earned great meritorious karmas by spending unlimited wealth on meritorious deeds of public welfare, such as construction of Jain temples, promotion of religion and education, and clemency for all beings.
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Emperor Samprati After 267 years of the nirvana of Bhagavan Mahavir, Arya Suhasti handed over the reigns of the religious order to two of his able disciples Susthit and Supratibaddh. At the age of 100 years he took the ultimate vow and abandoned his earthly body. Emperor Samprati was overwhelmed with sorrow.
NN
Education International
Oh! My guru has left me.
It is said that Emperor Samprati got installed approximately 12. 5 million Jina images made of brass, copper, gold, etc. Images installed by Samprati are found even today at Nadol, Shatrunjaya, Giranar, Ratlam, and many other places. In his unprecedented mission of promotion of religion he got 6,600 ancient temples renovated and 1,25,000 new temples constructed.
32
AGRES

THE END

Page #35

HAPPINESS IS WITHIN REACH
16vs 2586
Dear friends, valge son
bno. I to calmbang Dongky 2015 oral tige segona taon Today mankind is living in an interesting time, when the science of information and technology is rapidly taking over and practically governing his life. The cave man has become a castle man. The days of cartwheels and carriages are being replaced by Cadillacs and convertibles. The period of stone grinding and grating have become obsolete and the modern electric grinders and graters are taking their place. The old is being replaced by the new with tremendous speed and have placed mankind on the verge of a new threshold.
As the machine is used for instant work, in the same way man works for instant happiness, fame and riches. He does not care whether it is at the cost of environmental pollution, depletion of the natural resources or animal abuse and suffering. He is under the powerful grip of greed and acts under the intoxication of modernization, leading him to selfdestruction. Motivated by ego and sensuality, he uses all of his skills in the acquisition of worldly pleasures and in hedonism. In this way the gift of technology and information make the rich richer and the poor poorer. It is this self-centeredness of mankind that has inspired Havelock Ellis to say, "The sun, the moon and the stars would have disappeared long ago, had they happened to be within reach of predatory human hands." Such is the man of today who is destroying mother Earth and thereby his own species for the sake of his material gratification.
In this way, when we look around us, all we see is that man has become a burden and an enemy to himself and the mother earth, rather than a friend to all. Engaging himself in anger, lust, selfishness, deceit. and competition he ultimately paves the way to violence and war. As Thomas Merton has rightly said, "Violence can begin only where thought and rational communication have broken down."
Living with this pace and in this space, man has become mechanical and a robot. He now has no mind of his own and works like a machine. Society thinks for him and he obeys its orders. His herd mentality blinds his vision and goads him to move about without any direction. One wonders whether he has
Jain Exication International
bos (1
the same element which is potentially capable of becoming Mahavir, Buddha, Ram or Jesus-epitomes of love, compassion and simplicity? How can he become attain anything, if he does not take charge of his own life and discern the difference between right and wrong in the light of the truth?
History tells us that no amount of wealth and fame has made mankind happy in the past, nor will it make him happy in the future. For material happiness is fleeting and temporary. It's definition changes with man's desires and dreams. Happiness does not lie in accumulation of things, but in the art of equal distribution, simplicity and contentment.
In this New Year let us decide not to become a machine in the mechanical world, acting without thought, but instead think before each action. For every positive or negative action has an equal and opposite reaction. A loving thought cast in the universe has a loving response and an evil thought has an evil one. It is the law of the nature that what is thrown out in the universe comes about like boomerang. So why not prioritize our life on the basis of our needs and comfort and not on our greed and luxury. In this way we can eliminate the possibility of acquiring negative vibrations and unwanted karmas and channelize our thoughts, words and actions in the positive direction, starting the millennium with a new beginning and reshaping our life again.
In the Western terms we are entering a new millennium and in that sense the whole world is excited about the advent of it. Though you and we know however that civilization is a lot older than that. Is it the dictionary meaning that makes it so important or the hope of global peace, happiness and order that it may bring for all, that makes it important? Let us see how the dictionary defines it. It says that it is "a period of thousand years. A period of general righteousness and happiness especially in the indefinite period." But where is that period of righteousness and happiness? Where is the peace? What was wrong yesterday that we are dreaming of tomorrow? Why are we not happy today? These are questions that come to one's mind.

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It is needless to say that the answers to these questions are different for different class of people. There are two classes of people who think in two different ways. There is one class that asks every morning "what should I do to become hungry? (Kya kare to bhuk lage ?) and there is another class that asks" what should I do when I become hungry? (Bhuk lage to kya kare?). In any given situation neither one seems to be happy. So where is the happiness? More than 80% of mankind toils for food, shelter and protection and yet many of them go to bed hungry. There is another small percent that is affluent and simply wallows in luxury. What a disparity in the lives of the two ! One has plenty and the other is empty.
Those whose conscience is still alive and awake are compassionate and say, how can we be happy when the world is full of misery, pain, and suffering ? How can we be happy when there is so much stress, tension and chaotic disorder ? Animals suffer from human abuse and torture. Children suffer from mal-nutrition and child abuse. The poor from poverty and hunger. The rich suffer from desire, greed and disease, and the rest of the world suffer from dehumanizing war and violence. Where is the happiness that we are looking for? Is it in the material gain that the modern world is throwing at us, or is it in the wiping of the tears of the suffering and the aching ? We are all pretending that we are happy, but are we really ? Or are we living under an anesthesia that has numbed us towards the pain of others? I think there is a corner in every heart that hurts and cries, but very few have time and understanding to listen to that inner voice. It is time to pause for a moment and reflect back on our past, so that we may change our future.
To get a fresh outlook to life, one must turn towards the philosophy of Jainism as practiced and propounded by Lord Mahavir. It has profound answers to our questions. It is founded on the law of reverence for all life (Ahinsa), relativity in thinking (Syadavada), law of cause and effect (theory of Karmas), law of non-acquisition (Aparigraha), and law
of compassion (Karuna) through non-violence in thoughts, words and action which is its basic tenets. It has also emphasized the idea of tolerance and noninterference as its teachings. These perennial principles of Lord Mahavir are the avenues to health, healing, harmony, peace and love. They were useful thousands of years ago and will be useful for many millennia to come. In this way, putting the teachings of Jainism into practice one can renew one's connectivity to that ancient source of teaching and live in harmony with oneself and in harmony with the rest of the world.
In these trying times, the world is now looking for a happier, brighter future for living-beings. Let us therefore work collectively for the betterment of the whole universe by changing our focus from 'I' to 'We'. For if we keep doing what we are doing, we will keep getting what we are getting.
S omeone has beautifully said that, "I expect to pass this world but once. Any good therefore that I can do, or any kindness that I can show to any fellow creature, let me do it now, for I shall not pass this way
The message of the new dawn is for all of us but youth in particular, who is the hope of tomorrow. They will help the way society thinks and feels. For, tomorrow belongs to the youth, youth that holds the promise of the future. They are the symbol of energy and zeal, openness and compassion, creativity and innovation. They have time and vigor to carry on and give life to the ancient heritage of reverence for life, understand and practice the wisdom of the seers and use the insights of the enlightened masters. They are the torch bearers and trend setters of peace, progress and prosperity for the present and future generation.
So let us all think globally and act locally, making a difference in every moment of the millennium and be aware of our glorious spiritual wealth by arising, awaking and work and not stopping until the goal is reached.
Jai Jinendra Pramoda Chitrabhanu

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Page #38
| Lal Day D ale Day care Dag PRINCE VARDHAMANA WITH MEMBERS OF HIS FAMILY Vardhamana with the members of his family. It depicts an aspect of his domestic life. AVM AVM AVM AVM Picture taken from TIRTHANKARA BHAGAWAN MAHAVIRA, EDITOR : SHRI YASHODEVSURIJI