King Pradeshi and Keshikumar Diwakar Chitrakatha 054

Author(s): Shreechand Surana
Publisher: Mahavir Seva Trust Mumbai
Catalog link: https://jainqq.org/explore/006652/1

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A Mahavir Seva Trust Presentation DIWAKAR CHITRA KATHA KING PRADESHI AND KESHIKUMAR SHRAMAN Vol. 54 Rs. 25.00 060 POLI GOOD alnelibrary.org

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KING PRADESHI AND KESHIKUMAR SHRAMAN It is said that the touch of Philosopher's stone turns iron into gold, and effect of poison is undone by drinking ambrosia but till date no one has seen either Philosopher's stone or ambrosia. But the effect of pious company is much more astonishing than these two is an experienced truth. Good company changes life of man. His attitude is purified. A sinner turns into a sage. Evil persons turn into noble ones. A cruel and pitiless murderer becomes image of compassion. An enraged devil turns into a prophet of forgiveness. In Rayapaseniya Sutra, a Jain Scripture, Bhagavan Mahavir has illustrated this by giving the example of King Pradeshi and Keshikumar Shraman. A non-believer and anti-religious person like Pradeshi, who was engrossed in sins including violence and passing death sentence even for minor crimes, turned into a great believer and highly religious person. He became a prophet of compassion and forgiveness; so much so that when he became aware that his queen had fed him poison-mixed food he remained calm and forgiving. He was neither sad nor angry at the queen. What brought about this change ? The answer is-influence of pious company. In this picture story we have taken the story of King Pradeshi. Once Suryaabh god appeared before Bhagavan Mahavir and after paying homage displayed his divine opulence. At this Gautam Swami asked--"How this god acquired such grand divine opulence? What religious deeds he performed during his last birth?" In reply Bhagavan Mahavir narrated the story of his past birth and said that he was King Pradeshi then. And this was how his life changed. -Srichand Surana 'Saras Editor: Srichand Surana 'Saras' Managing Editors : Dr. Mansukhbhai Jain, Sanjay Surana Translator: Surendra Bothara PUBLISHERS MAHAVEER SEVA TRUST A-7, SAGAR NIWAS, 1ST FLOOR, OFF MANCHHUBHAI ROAD, MALAD (E), MUMBAI-400 097. PH. (O) 28811397 SHREE DIWAKAR PRAKASHAN A-7, AWAGARH HOUSE, OPP. ANJNA CINEMA, M.G. ROAD, AGRA-282 002. PH.: (0562) 2151165. E-mail : sansuman21@rediffmail.com WW

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KING PRADESHI AND KESKIKUMAR SHRAMAN AN in an In ancient times there was a beautiful city named Aamalkappa. During his wanderings Bhagavan Mahavir arrived there. Bhagavan had his Samavasaran (divine assembly] in Amrashal garden outside the city where there were thousands of mango trees. The local Sangh, royal family and thousands of citizens listened to the sermon of Bhagavan. vllWRDS TGVONOID Rewarding is every moment of a person who practices religion..... At that time Suryaabh god was enjoying songs and dances of his divine damsels in the Saudharma heaven. Great! A beautiful 9.0 0.0 0.0% dance. CO UZUUD Trololololo WUUUUULU Qlololo010 For Privat 1-ersonal Use Only

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King Pradeshi and Keshikumar Shraman Suddenly he looked towards Bharat area. He saw Bhagavan Mahavir sitting in Amrashal garden. Suryaabh god was filled with devotion. He at once stepped down from his throne and paid homage to Bhagavan O Venerable Lord ! The Propagator of Religion ! I pay my homage to you. You are omniscient and from there you see me bowing here. thwng Returning to his throne, Suryaabh god instructed his attendant godsI will go to pay homage to Bhagavan Mahavir staying in Aamalkappa city on the earth. Make arrangements. WM E la Ina For Private & 2ersonal Use Only

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King Pradeshi and Keshikumar Shraman The gods at once prepared the Vimaan Boarding the Vimaan with his divine family, Suryaabh god came to the religious assembly of Bhagavan Mahavir. Paying homage with complete devotion, he introduced himselfAVAVAVA Prabho !1, Suryaabh god, offer you salutations. Oo CADO POO OOO Sire ! The Vimaan is ready for your trip to earth for paying homage to Bhagavan Mahavir. REVUTURO He then took his seat. After the discourse Suryaabh god asked Bhagavan O god ! You have practiced religion Bhante ! sincerely during your Am I Bhavya ? past birth. In your Am I worthy of future birth too you liberation ? will do the same. Suryaabh god was delighted to hear this. He went around Bhagavan three times and again paid homage. Then he said Prabho! As the result of my religious practice I have acquired this divine opulence. Please allow me to display some of it. ., COR VUUUCSWDuo Bisit T3563 Bhagavan remained silent. Jailt Education International For Private Sersonal Use Only

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King Pradeshi and Keshikumar Shraman Suryaabh god gave a signal to accompanying gods. First of all they paid homage to Bhagavan and then presented attractive performances in the formation of eight auspicious symbols. Oh ! We ANAATAVAYAS veelr never saw such an amazing play. VOINTIAIDI! OOOOOOO DE LES After performing many divine dramas Suryaabh god returned to his abode in heaven. When the god left Ganadhar Gautam Swami asked Bhagavan Mahavir Gautam ! The Bhante ! Who was story of the past this god ? What religious birth of this god is practices resulted in his acquiring this divine astonishing. I will opulence ? tell you, listen carefully. For Private 4ersonal Use Only

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He has not paid taxes. Beat him more. + King Pradeshi and Keshikumar Shraman It is a tale from the remote past. Pradeshi was the king of Shvetambika city. He was anti-religious and indulged in cruel acts like violence. Suryakanta was his queen. Their son was Suryakant. His prime minister Chitt was very pious, kind, intelligent and just. He was a childhood friend of the king. YAN Once a caravan of traders passed around Shvetambika city. When it came near the city an old trader asked a cowherd Brother! We have travelled far for business. Which is this city? Who is the king here? l Sire! Kindly pardon him. We will collect all taxes next year. 5 The cowherd laughed Land said Are you fed up with your life and possessions? Don't you know that this place has an oppressive, sinful and bandit-like king. The sword in his hand is ever drenched in blood. He kills man for fun. Oh! Is he so cruel?

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In wicked ness he is Devil's brother. The cowherd said King Pradeshi and Keshikumar Shraman The traders consulted each other Once King Pradeshi thought I should add to the prosperity of my city. I should establish friendly. relations with neighbouring kingdoms otherwise this state will be in ruins. Please don't reveal my name otherwise he will hang me. Turn silently towards north and go. He called minister Chitt WW The oppressions of King Pradesh made every ordinary and important citizen fearful and terrorized like a goat with a knife on its neck. Come, let us bid him a distant goodbye. By God's grace we were warned in advance. Chitt! I have heard that trade flourishes in the neighbouring kingdom of Shravasti. The king collects so much taxes that his treasury overflows with wealth. For Private & Pernal Use Only DONE hy mar Yes sire! What you have heard. is true.

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But the trade and commerce in our city is in a bad state. The tax we collect is not enough. even to maintain our army? King Pradeshi and Keshikumar Shraman After pondering a little he added On reaching Shravasti he went to the court of King Jitashatru Hail the King ! 1, minister Chitt of Shvetambika, offer you my greetings. Sire! Please accept these gifts from our King. Next day minister Chitt filled chariots with beautiful dresses, ornaments, fruits, sweets and other costly gifts for the king of Shravasti and left. Mala Go to Shravasti and talk to the king about strengthening our friendly and trade relations. Find out the secret of happiness and prosperity of that kingdom. You are welcome Minister. As you say sire! I will leave for Shravasti tomorrow. The minister was offered stay in the state guest house in the middle of the garden. For Private Personal Use Only

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King Pradeshi and Keshikumar Shraman Next morning the minister saw that the minister asked the guard, who inforhundreds of well dressed citizens were med Minister Sir! Keshikumar going somewhere. Shraman, the disciple of Bhagavan Parshva Naath has come to the city today. He is a scholarly, austere and pious sage. All the citizens are going to pay him homage and attend his discourse. Why all these people are moving in the same direction ? Is there some festival or celebration ? XXX The minister thought with joy A great opportunity, like rain without clouds. I will also go to behold such a great saint. The sage was preaching O worthy people! The theme of human life is renunciation and not enjoyment, to serve others instead of self and to donate instead of acquiring Oooooooooo Getting ready after taking a bath, the minister left for the garden to attend the discourse. For Private 8ersonal Use Only

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King Pradeshi and Keshikumar Shraman www After the discourse Minister Chitt went to the sage and said h Gurudev ! I felt blessed hearing your sermon. I too wish to accept Shravak Dharma. Minister Chitt stayed in Shravasti for many days. He made many treaties with the king. One day he said to the king Sire! I want to return to my kingdom tomorrow. After taking his leave, the minister rode a chariot and came to Keshikumar Shraman Noble one! Do what benefits your soul without any delay. Gurudev ! After concluding my mission I am returning to my state. Shvetambika is a beautiful city, Gurudev! Please do us the honour of your visit sometimes. We will be obliged. The minister accepted Shravak Dharma and attended Keshikumar Shraman's discourse everyday. All right minister. Please give my message of friendship to your king. The king gave many beautiful gifts to the minister. The sage looked at the minister and smiled. The minister addedO great sage Would you kindly Lions accept my request? 9

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MV King Pradeshi and Keshikumar Shraman Then Keshikumar Shraman said Imagine that there Minister ! Tell me one is a hunter with a bow thing. There is a beautiful and arrow hiding there. garden with numerous Now, would animals dense trees loaded with and birds like to flowers and fruits. Animals come there? and birds would like to come there or not? No ! Who will come to a place where messenger of death is dancing ? UN bad Why not. They would certainly like to come and rest there. Some days later while minister Chitt was sitting in his garden the guards informed him You see, minister ! Your Shvetambika city is like that garden. But your cruel and irreligious king sits there like a hunter. How can sages and saints visit that place ? Gurudev ! Kindly pay a visit once. I feel that in noble company the wicked king will change. Minister sir ! Keshikumar Shraman, for whom you were waiting, has arrived in our garden. Great! I will soon come to pay him homage. After great persuasion the minister made the sage Laccept his request The minister dismissed the guard after rewarding him. 70

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King Pradeshi and Keshikumar Shraman Minister Chitt made a plan to take King Pradeshi to see Keshikumar Shraman. Next morning he arrived at the palace in a chariot with four horses. He went to the king and said Sire ! The four UUDIO Good ! Let's horse we got go for a ride from Kamboj have and take the been trained. Now trial. they are ready for a trial. The king got ready and boarded the chariot. Minister Chitt became the charioteer and drove the chariot. The minister covered a long distance with great speed. The king said Chitt! In this scorching sun ! am drenched with sweat. I am hungry and thirsty as well. We should rest now. Please look for some garden. Sire ! Our Mrigavan garden is just ahead. We may go there and rest. The minister came to the garden with the king. While the king was resting he saw sage Keshikumar Shraman giving his discourse. Hundreds of men and women were listening attentively. Chitt! Who is this idiot? What does he say so loudly? What is he doing in our garden? Sire ! He is Keshikumar Shraman, the disciple of Bhagavan Parshva Naath. He is a great sage. He believes that body and soul are sep arate not one. 0.0.0, For Private Personal Use Only

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King Pradeshi and Keshikumar Shraman Chitt approached the sage along with the king Sage ! Are you a true scholar Is it so ? He is and do you Pradeshi ! against my view. believe that body Although a Come, debate with him and soul are king, you are would be a fun. separate ? ignorant of common courtesy S The king was taken aback kes What do you say? Standing under that tree didn't you call me an idiot ? I knew of your thoughts through my Manah-paryav jnana." Alright. I want to talk to you. May I sit here? What! How did you know my personal view ? Are you an enlightened one ? # King Pradeshi believed that soul does not have an independent existence. 12 # Extrasensory perception and knowledge of thought process and thought-forms of other beings. eti

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King Pradeshi and Keshikumar Shraman The king'sat down and asked If soul is immortal O king! It is not do you mean that my O sage ! Do just that I believe, it is, grand father who, like you believe that indeed, a fact. Soul is me, loved violence body and soul not destroyed when must have gone to are separate ? the body is destroyed. Soul is immortal. hell after his death. Yes! Those who commit violence go only to hell. But he never came back to tell me, "Son, I suffer the bitter fruits of violence. Therefore, you should not indulge in violence." Had he said so I would have accepted your doctrine. O king! Consider this. There is some great criminal and you have caught him after great effort. You sentence him to death and he requests you to leave for some time so that he could go and tell his family members to avoid the crimes that he committed. Would you leave him ? Mohm AVIO WA Not at all. Such a criminal cannot be allowed to go. When a sinner goes to hell the guardians of hell torture him gravely. They do LW not allow him to go anywhere even for a moment. ducation International For Priva 43sonal Use Only

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King Pradeshi and Keshikumar Shraman O sage ! By an I passed death sentence experiment I have for a thief. I put him alive in proved that within the an iron box, closed it and body there is nothing sealed all passages of like a soul. air with clay. What was that experiment? Us o King! few KOR A few days later I got the box opened. The thief was dead but I found no hole in it. Tell me from where the soul escaped ? This proves that when body is dead soul is destroyed. Thus the two are one and the same. tu WhaMule mr) wm ` UUUUUUUUUU O king ! Suppose there is a chamber with just one gate. A person enters it with a drum. The room is then sealed airtight. The man inside beats the drum. Do you hear the sound of drum outside, or not? r bh br b b b bh For Private 4rsonal Use Only

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Yes, I can hear. He then narrated his experience fro The sage smiled B2 Ein.o ano Mala King Pradeshi and Keshikumar Shraman When a material thing like sound can come out of a sealed place without being seen, what is the problem in coming out of a subtle formless thing like soul? There is no soul in this body. mory hai Lo We O king! You talk foolishly like those woodcutters, ml jwy st Accepted that soul can come out of airtight place but it should at least be visible. Ma 44444 Once I sentenced a criminal to death. I got his body cut to pieces to find where was his soul but I failed to see it. Which wood cutters ? What foolishness? OSE 15 ALTY

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King Pradeshi and Keshikumar Shraman Some woodcutters went into a jungle. They carried some fire for cooking but it got extinguished. One of the elders said- Get some fire out of Arni wood and cook food. What next? The old man left. The woodcutter broke Arni wood into pieces but no fire came out of it. He then broke the pieces into still smaller pieces and still failed to find fire. Oh ! Even now there is no fire. I have broken this wood into many pieces but no fire came out of it. Give it to me. By then the old man returned You are a liar. There is no fire in Arni wood. See, I have bro ken it into so many pieces. The old man took two pieces of Arni wood and rubbed them together. Sparks were produced and fire was lit. See, here Great! is the fire. 15 Tire. For Private 1 6ersonal Use Only

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King Pradeshi and Keshikumar Shraman In the same way "The king debated for long and in the the flame that is soul end it appeared to him that resides in the body. In Keshikumar Shraman was telling the order to see it grinding in truth. He thoughtthe form of austerities, yoga, and meditation My belief is wrong. What has to be performed. the sage says is true. Body is Only then the flamelike soul is seen. made of material things. Soul is transcendental. Like the flame in a lamp, the soul resides in the body. As flame and lamp are separate so are soul and body. After pondering for some time the king said, You say that we all move around due to soul. Can you hold that conscious soul in your palm and show me? O king ! See those branches of tree overhead. Why its leaves are moving? Who shakes them? They are moving due to wind.

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bol.com 34 and King Pradeshi asked again All right sage! You say that souls of an ant and an elephant are equal. So, can you hold this air in your palm and show me ? 30 King Pradeshi and Keshikumar Shraman No! Air can never be held in palms. Yes, O king The light of the soul is equal in all beings. k FunDive Exten Pana 0 Ony O king! Air is a /substance with form. When even air can not be held in hand how can a formless thing like soul can be shown by holding it in hands? a Does an ant and an elephant have equal strength and power? 18 at Then how souls of the two can be equal? 732 w melodi No. An elephant is stronger than an ant. Whil

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King Pradeshi and Keshikumar Shraman O king! Imagine a person carrying a burning lamp in his hand enters a small room and closes it, how far the light of the lamp will 13 spread? It will be limited to the room only. Now that person puts a large iron cover over the lamp. How far the light will spread now ? Now the light will be within that cover. There will be darkness outside. 732 For Private 1 sanal Use Only www.jalnelibrary.org

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King Pradeshi and Keshikumar Shraman In the same way, O king ! The light of the lamp that is soul spreads or gets confined according to the available space. You mean the light is the same but it becomes large or small according to the area. Yes, O king ! You have understood correctly. There is no difference in the sentience of the soul but its area of influence is confined to the body the soul attains. w WANTV Finally the king asked But, O sage ! My grand father always believed body and soul to be one and always indulged in violent activities. He spent his life enjoying mundane pleasures. How can I abandon the tra-dition of my ancestors ? there & Sec O king ! A person who is adamant on his false premises, repents in the end. You will also have to repent like that iron-trader. O king!! will tell you the story of the iron- trader. Listen carefullyWe should collect iron ore in bundles. When we arrive in a city we will sell it and earn some money. Some traders left their city in search of business. On the way they found iron mines, One of them said, not be For Private 26ersonal Use Only

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King Pradeshi and Keshikumar Shraman Each one of them collected the iron-ore in Everyone collected copper except one who was bundles. Some distance away they found very adamant. He said copper mines. They consulted each other I do not 10 Let us throw away change my decisions the iron-ore and col time and again. lect this copper-ore. What I have taken once is final. SVAREN The fourth replied After going some distance they found silver and gold mines. Three of them threw copper and collected silver and gold. They said to the fourthBrother ! Now at least throw iron and collect gold. Your poverty will be removed in one stroke. You all are like clay models and keep on changing every moment. I am a determined man. What I have taken once is final. 2 Tell me, king, who was right? What the three said was correct. The four was stone dumb. To carry iron when gold is available is absolute foolishness, or not? Going further they came across a diamond mine. The three threw away the gold and collected diamonds. But the fourth was still adamant on his idea that what was taken once was final. He retained his iron. For Private2ersonal Use Only

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King Pradeshi and Keshikumar Shraman When they reached a city the three traders sold their diamonds and became rich and influential. They started leading a happy life. The fourth sold his iron and became a hawker. 9000000 One day while the hawker was moving around one of his old companion recognized him. He sent his servant to call the hawker. On his arrival Don't you Sir! Why recognize make fun of a me ? poor man. I am nothing before you. If you are a mighty king, am a popper. The merchant laughed I am your old companion who discarded iron, silver and gold for diamonds. But in spite of all advise you remained adamant and stuck to your iron. For Private22ersonal Use Only

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King Pradeshi and Keshikumar Shraman The hawker stared wide-eyed at the Explaining the theme of the story, the sage said merchant's grandeur and cursed Pradeshi! himself Gurudev ! I have If you remain Alas! | understood the trapped in S have ruined lesson. It is foolish to shackles of the have false dogmas myself. ways of your even after knowing grandfather, the truth. I am not you too may such a fool. have to repent like that. But there was no use crying over spilt milk... After that the king joined his palms and said I accept your philosophy. Now I believe that soul and body are separate. Soul has to suffer the consequences of sin and piety. Please teach me your religion. Keshikumar Shraman gave King Pradeshi lessons on fundamentals including Ahimsa, kindness, truth, celibacy, detachment and austerities and added Gurudev ! Since O king ! A being this day I accept has to bear the the path of austerities fruits of his deeds. and discipline shown Therefore always do by you. I abandon good deeds. Noble violence and resolve to be kind, compasactions bring sionate and loving noble fruits. to all. Tua Fe ins The king returned to his palace after paying homage to Keshikumar Shraman. For Privat 23sonal use only

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King Pradeshi and Keshikumar Shraman Next day he called his minister and other officials Then he said to the ministers Commander ! Free all the prisoners from the prison. I have pardoned them all. On getting news about this, people started talking How the king has changed so much within a day? Till yesterday he enjoyed sucking blood of the people and today he is spending everything for the people. This is the influence of Keshikumar Shraman. Blessed is the benevolent sage. All the income of the state should be divided into four parts. One part to be spent on the defense of the state and the army. Second part to be spent on public welfare. Third part to be spent on the king, his family and servants. Forth part to be turned into a welfare fund for destitute, orphans, hermits, Brahmins, sages, mindicants and Shamans. The king told Minister Chitt For Privat 24Personal Use Only Chitt! Now all the responsibility of the state is on you. I will atone for the sins I committed and purify my soul. OOOO +

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King Pradeshi and Keshikumar Shraman And the king started living in isolation in his meditation One day his queen Suryakanta thoughthut. He spent his time in austerities including fasting, and remaining engrossed in meditation and devotion for the My husband is so supreme soul. Pro X engrossed in religious activities that he has forgotten me. He neither comes to the palace nor talks to me any more. It is as if he has broken 49 relationship with me. G Thinking throughout the night she made a plan Why not kill the king and make my son king. Then I will enjoy life with the status of queen mother. In the morning she met her son Son ! Your father has turned away from his duties as a king. He neither loves his family nor the people. Yes mother! His life has changed. For Paiva 25sonal use only

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Son ! Shouldn't you finish such worthless king and take over the reigns of the kingdom? King Pradeshi and Keshikumar Shraman The queen thought No ! No ! Mother! Please don't utter such The situation has words. I hate such talks. complicated now. If the How can I commit a grave king comes to know of my sin like killing my father. conspiracy he will deal No ! Not at all! me a dog's death. ( AGA And every moment she looked for an opportunity to kill the king. He got up and left. One day his maid said, O queen! Tomorrow the king will break his two day fast. What should I prepare ? This is a good opportunity. I will act on my plan today Then she said to the / What is there for maid you to do ! I will make breakfast and serve with my own hands. Indeed, it is the duty of a wife to serve her husband. For Priva 26 Personal Use Only

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King Pradeshi and Keshikumar Shraman The queen got up early in the morning and cooked She then stealthily mixed potent poison in breakfast for the king. She asked the maids to leave the food. She also sprinkled some poison on her dress. MAYVAVAVAVAVYNAA You all may go. Now I will see will serve food to how the king can the king with my be saved from own hands. this poison. loooo W IMM The king entered the palace for breakfast. The queen expressed her love and devotion Blessed am that today you will eat food cooked with my own hands. The king remained silent. He calmly took his seat. The queen served and the king started his breakfast. Within no time he had burning sensation throughout his body. He felt nauseated and blisters appeared on his body. Oh! It appears that the queen has mixed poison in this food. 000 For Private27ersonal Use Only

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King Pradeshi and Keshikumar Shraman Without a word he got up and went to the hut. He lied still on the mattress There is no use getting angry at someone. All pain is caused by one's own sins. The queen must be under an evil spell due to my bad karmas. She is just an instrument. It is me who is the doer of the sinful deeds. The king endured that terrible pain with equanimity. The body was burning due to the poison but it was as if ambrosia was being showered within the mind. The king recalled the unforgettable statement of Keshikumar Shraman 5000.... Body is mortal, soul is immortal, agitation is poison, equanimity is ambrosia. Xxxxx 2 After some time the king left his mortal body. For Private 28rsonal Use Only

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King Pradeshi and Keshikumar Shraman His soul reincarnated as sun-like radiant and impressive Suryaabh god in the first heaven. CUBA Curious Gautam again asked After narrating the story of the past birth of Suryaabh god to Gautam, Bhagavan Mahavir added Gautam ! Thus King Pradeshi became a god endowed with great opulence due to the good deeds from his past birth. Bhagavan ! What is the life span of Suryaabh god? Where will he reincarnate after leaving the divine dimension ? Jain Education international 29

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King Pradeshi and Keshikumar Shraman Gautam ! His life span is four Palyopam". Descending from the divine dimension he will reincarnate in Mahavideh area in a prosperous family. He will be named Dridhapratijna. YANA co JUL After shedding all his karmas he will get liberated. Dridhapratijna will get initiated and after observing ascetic religion he will attain omnisciences # A conceptual unit of time. For Private Personal Use Only

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Gautam Swami was elated to hear the story of the past and future of King Pradeshi. He paid homage to Bhagavan Mahavir and said 0 m mmm m Bhante ! What you say is a fact. 401 eo After paying homage and obeisance to Bhagavan Mahavir, Gautam resumed Lhis contemplation and meditation. THE LESSON The story of King Pradeshi has many lessons for us O Virtues like kindness, compassion, love, helpfulness, tolerance, etc. cannot be acquired without faith and belief in one's soul. Therefore, you should first of all believe in yourself and your power. Understand that your body is mortal but the soul within is immortal. The soul should not be defiled and tarnished for the sake of physical pleasure, enjoyment and comforts. A being has to suffer the consequences of his deeds. Therefore do not tread the path of evil deeds, oppression and immorality. R Lek mer RECE For Private 31ersonal Use Only Common man is under the stupor of ignorance and lust. When a true enlightened teacher is found he imparts right knowledge and shows the path of beatitude. There is no enlightenment without a guru. THE END Whole world is friend for one with spiritual view. He is not angry even at a tormentor or a criminal. He forgives everyone. He is always equanimous. Therefore even physical pain cannot of cald lathe disturb him. ar er bes All virtues are automatically acquired the moment one gains religious attitude. A cruel and oppressive king like Pradeshi, turned into a highly detached, forgiving and tolerant person fecunder the influence of religion and pious company; so much so that when he was not angry at all with his queen who had poisoned him. Forgiveness for all, love for all, this is the sign of religion.

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King Pradeshi and Keshikumar Shraman Don't laugh! Try to understand.... WISDOM IS BIG OR A BUFFALO ? Teacher asked a student-"Wisdom is big or a buffalo?" "Buffalo." "How?" "Buffalo gives us milk, curd, and butter. Wisdom gets us slaps only." The teacher asked with surprise-"How so?" "Sir! When I respond to my father's statement, he gives me two slaps and says that I have gained to much wisdom these days. Even you and my mother do the same. Decide for yourself if wisdom is big or a buffalo." The teacher smiled at the answer by the ignorant (stupid) student. RENOUNCER B GREAT RENOUNCER In a city arrived a great sage who had renounced the world. The citizens were benefitted by his pious company. But a rich merchant never visited him. When the sage inquired about the reason for his absence, someone informed him that he was intoxicated by his wealth. However, one day it so happened that the merchant attended the saint's discourse. The moment this merchant paid his homage, the sage stood and offered homage to the merchant. The audience was astonished. When asked about the reason for this strange behaviour, the sage replied "He is a great renouncer. I have merely renounced wealth and family, which are short lived. But this merchant has renounced the permanent unending spiritual bliss for the sake of perishable wealth. Indeed, he is a great renouncer and that is why I paid homage to him." These taunting words opened the eyes of the merchant and he fell at the feet of the sage. 32 For Privateersonal Use Only

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SPIRITUAL FLAME IS SAME IN EVERYONE) Soul or being is represented in the form of flame. In terms of knowledge and sentience all souls are same. In terms of its attribute of sentience there is no difference in souls irrespective of their belonging to any of the beings of any of the four genuses--Siddhas; Vaimanik, Jyotishk and other gods; twins, ascetic, householder, king and beggar; large or small animal, insects and moths; different types of plants and trees including fruits, flowers and roots; infernal beings and Paramadharmik gods. Thus as entity soul is one. The visible differences like that of behavior and conduct is merely from the angle of paryaya or mode (body). In the illustration, at the center is soul in the form of a flame and that exists in every being. -Sthaan 1, Sutra 1 (See illustration on back page)

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SPIRITUAL FLAME IS SAME IN EVERYONE Vaimanik dev Siddhas Twins dev Jyotishk dev Householder Ascetic Large or small animal, insects Soul in the form of a flame Beggar Paramadharmik Different types of plants, trees, fruits flowers and roots; . See Detail Inside For private Personal Use Only www jainelibrary.org