Book Title: Saddal Putra Diwakar Chitrakatha 038
Author(s): Shreechand Surana
Publisher: Mahavir Seva Trust Mumbai
Catalog link: https://jainqq.org/explore/006638/1

JAIN EDUCATION INTERNATIONAL FOR PRIVATE AND PERSONAL USE ONLY
Page #1 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ A Mahavir Seva Trust Presentation DIWAKAR CHITRA KATNA SADDAL PUTRA Vol.38 Rs. 25.00 Luck is nothing but a consequence of one's own deeds. Page #2 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ SADDAL PUTRA Saddal Putra was one among the ten famous shravak disciples of Bhagavan Mahavir. He was one of the accomplished and successful artisan traders of his time. An artisan was also called Gathapati and Kumbhakar in the language of those days. Besides the family business of manufacturing and marketing beautiful and artistic earthen pots, he was also in agriculture and cattle business. The descriptions in Jain Agams inform that besides his business acumen, he also had profound knowledge of religion and spiritualism. He was an important pillar of the Ajivak sect headed by Acharya Gaushalak. The doctrine of Gaushalak was-"Everything automatically happens according to one's fate. Man is nothing but a puppet of fate." Saddal Putra also believed in this Niyativaad (fatalism). But Bhagavan Mahavir preached the doctrine of endeavour or karma "Man suffers consequences of his deeds. He writes his own fate." Bhagavan Mahavir explained this doctrine of endeavour to Saddal Putra with practical logic. Consequently he was disillusioned with fatalism and became a true follower of the doctrine of karma. His faith in the true principles of Bhagavan Mahavir became so deep rooted that, all the efforts by Gaushalak failed to move him. Gods too took rigorous tests of his religiosity and he passed with flying colours. Till the end of his life he continued to be sincere in his religious pursuits. The source of this picturestory of Saddal Putra is Upasak-dasha Sutra. The second story is about Vijay Kumar and Vijaya. This couple took the vow of celibacy on the first night of their marriage and remained steadfast all their life. Jain poets have composed numerous poetical works on this theme in Sanskrit, Gujarati and Rajasthani. Editor: Srichand Surana 'Saras' Managing Editors: Dr. Mansukhbhai Jain, Sanjay Surana Translator: Surendra Bothara PUBLISHERS MAHAVIR SEVA TRUST A-7, SAGAR NIWAS, 1ST FLOOR, OFF MANCHHUBHAI ROAD, MALAD (E), MUMBAI-400 097. PH. (O) 8811397, (R) 8892121 Illustration: Shyamal Mitra FEDERATION OF JAIN ASSOCIATIONS IN NORTH AMERICA (JAINA) C/o DR. P.B. GADA, 4410, 50TH STREET, LUBBOCK, TEXAS-79414 (U.S.A.). PH. 806-793-8555 DIWAKAR PRAKASHAN A-7, AWAGARH HOUSE, OPP. ANJNA CINEMA, M.G. ROAD, AGRA-282 002. PH. : 351165 Page #3 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ SADDAL PUTRA In Polaspur city lived a potter named Saddal Putra. He had huge factories for making earthen pots and terra-cottas. Hundreds of artisans and thousands of labourers worked there. These factories produced a variety of utensils. He also had his own chain of five hundred shops. People from far and near visited these shops to buy utensils. ce See, how beautiful is this vase. The painting of pea-cock and duck is so enchanting! Oh! See this dinner plate. It appears to be made of some metal. How attractive is this illustration of swan picking pearls! ZUN DOON SW U TR2 YA Page #4 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ Saddal Putra also had a large dairy having ten thousand cows. Outside the city he had a large garden called Ashok Vatika. Some townsfolk stood outside the garden and talkedHis worth is thirty ASS million golds-coins. He Look! How large has put ten on interest, and beautiful invested ten in business house in this and another tenin landed grand garden. property ? w ON Brother, his dairy farm is even larger. It is said that he takes good care of his cows. That means he is very fortunate I have heard that his guru Mankhaliputra Gaushalak, who is an expert astrologer, has given him some mantras and tantras. It is because of these that his prosperity has no bounds. No, not at all. This wealth was earned by his father Shakadal. He was fortunate enough to inherit it. I have also heard that he is a diehard follower of fatalism. Nou Page #5 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ And then someone pointed See, he sits in his Ashok Vatika absorbed in meditation. And see there, his wife Agnimitra looks like) Lakshmi, the goddess, of wealth.... While the onlookers were talking, a god appeared in the sky with tinkling melodies. Adorned with five coloured dress, a brilliant crown on his head, and a garland of flowers on his neck, the god called Who calls me ? The divine pronouncement echoed Listen, O ann beloved of gods. Beloved of gods, tomorrow morning arrives at Polaspur the Mahamahan (great Brahmin). omniscient, all seeing Jina, whom the three worlds are eager to behold, and who is revered by the three worlds. 49FU0 G CREC After repeating this thrice the god disappeared. Page #6 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ Hearing this prophecy, Sadda! Putra sat down brooding on a white marble seat under an Ashoka tree (Who can be this god ? Sarung soon. Agnimitra asked My lord, about which Mahamahan this god was telling? Our preceptor Mankhaliputra is the only Mahamahan, who else is an omniscient? Pr operereriore 22A Agnimitra was also pleasedMy lord, we should now prepare to welcome him. Saddal Putra visited his shops and instructed his employees Tomorrow my preceptor is coming here. Clean all the shops as well as the surroundings. 2 sorgina S AAAAA With these words Agnimitra went into the house. Hundreds of workers started the work. Next morning Saddal Putra got ready at dawn. He wore beautiful dress and ornaments and started preparing for a grand welcome of his preceptor. Just then a messenger came and greeted him. Sire, Shraman Bhagavan Mahavir has arrived in the garden outside the city. no 2 Page #7 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ Saddal Putra looked at him in surprise. Yes, all-perceiving omniscient Tirthankar Mahavir has arrived. Gods have raised What? Shraman Mahavir! a large Samavasaran. # The divine assembly of a Tirthankar. Saddal Putra lost all his excitement. He sat on a coach nearby Has the prophecy gone wrong? Accompanied by many people, Saddal Putra went to the garden. Reaching there he saw a grand Samavasaran. Thousands of gods, goddesses and men were listening to the sermon of Bhagavan Mahavir. From a distance he beheld the divine appearance of Bhagavan. 5 Then he thought Q Prophecies can never be false. May be, the god was telling about Shraman Mahavir only. I should visit. Never in my life have I seen such astonishingly radiant person! lov Page #8 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ In his discourse Bhagavan was said Saddal Putra kept walking and came nearer. He was thinking What man calls luck today is the consequence of some deed done in the past. Whatever endeavour * or activity a man does, he bears the consequences of that only at a later time. How serene is his face! His words are hypnotic! It seems as if drops of ambrosia are entering my ears.... AAAAA Involuntarily he joined his palms and bowed his head with reverence. He proceeded and took a seat in the religious assembly. Bhagavan asked innocently After the discourse everyone left but Saddal Putra sat staring at the serene face of Bhagavan Mahavir who then asked Saddal Putra, did you hear some prophecy yesterday afternoon ? The god inspired you to pay homage to the Mahamahan. That is why you have come here? does he know? Is he the omniscient Mahamahan ? BOO Saddal Putra looked agape. Page #9 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ As if drawn by a string, Saddal Putra came near Bhagavan. He thought He came near Bhagavan and requested ANG When he knows my mind, he alone should be the omniscient Mahamahan. Bhante, outside Polaspur I have five hundred shops. Please honour me by coming there and accepting bed of hay, seat, etc.* Osassa on OXOXO S He humbly paid homage to Bhagavan. Next day Bhagavan Mahavir came to his large workshop with the group of his disciples. Saddal Putra submitted - one Bhante, this is my workshop. Please honour me by accepting seat and my hospitality Bhagavan stayed there with his disciples and Saddal Putra resumed his routine work. This is the formal way of inviting an ascetic to stay. # Page #10 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ He then turned to another yard and said Outside the workshop he instructed his workers See, these pots have not dried yet. Put them in sun.. Oh! These have dried; shift them in shade. VVV Following the instructions from Saddal Putra the workers started placing utensils of different shapes and sizes in large baskets and shifting them from one place to another. Bhagavan Mahavir was watching all this. He called Saddal Putra who at once came and stood before him with joined palms. Saddal Putra, O God, all these who owns these d, all these have been made in utensils ? From where do they my workshop come ? Page #11 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ TOO How were these cocoa made ? Saddal Putra said, Guru Bhante, there is a process of making utensils. There, some workers are pouring water on heaps of clay to dampen it. Sama And on that side workers are making lumps after mixing ash, dung, hay, straw, etc. in the damp sand. Pointing in another direction Saddal Putra explained Bhante, look here, these expert potters are moving the wheel with great speed and the lump of clay is taking various shapes. After pausing a little Saddal Putra continued yyy LQQ000 QQ00000 HA EN P Que CON Made with hard labour and skill, these pots are fired in that far away kiln for some days. Then only these get baked hard and can hold water and other things. For Private Personal Use Only Page #12 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ After hearing this Bhagavan asked Saddal Putra This question puzzled Saddal Putra. For sometime he contemplated hard Bhante, these pots are made automatically by force of fate. Where is the question, of endeavour and effort 2 200 Dow anan Have these pots been made as a result of an endeavour or work by someone, or on their own? Bhagavan Mahavir If some one steals your pitchers or breaks them? After profound pondering he said with assumed gravity Then he added philosophically If someone does that I will punish him hard.... Have all these been made through endeavour? Where then does my fatalism stand? And my preceptor says that whatever happens is fated. Endeavour is of no use.... In this world every event is predetermined. Whatever is fated) continues to happen automatically. 10 133 If some barbarian misbehaves with your wife what will you do? AN AVA Page #13 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ With an angry expression Saddal Putra said I will punish him harshly and torture him as well. Mahavir Bhadra, in your opinion no person can either steal your pots gooogoo or destroy them. All this is a matter of fate, whatever will be, will be. It is no fault of his, then why should you punish him? Bhagavan Mahavir's logic silenced Saddal Putra. Bhagavan Mahavir added Saddal Putra pondered for sometime yyyGOODYE Bhadra, think about this. If fate makes everything happen in this world, effort loses its meaning. Endeavour and diligence become worthless Mannya Indeed, the fatalism I follow is not practical Without effort life cannot move even an inch. Than where is the importance of fate? Deep in his thoughts, Saddal Putra stood there What Shraman Mahavir says is true. Doing endeavor at every step, why I still talk of 1 fate? A little later he approached Bhagavan, joined his palms and said, Bhante, your words have revealed the importance of endeavour to me. I have faith in your Words ENTER For Povale & Personal Use Only Page #14 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ Bhagavan Mahavir explained the fundamentals of religion to him in details Bhadra, a man bears fruits according to his deeds and endeavour. Even if you call this fruit fate, know that the doer was the man himself. Therefore it is only through endeavour that the soul can get liberated from the bonds of karma. Bhante, show me the path of this liberation. NANAG Do not indulge in unnecessary violence during farming and other such activities. In business, do not resort to lies. Avoid accumulating more then your reneeds. Discipline the unlimited expanse of desires..... Bhagavan Mahavir Bhadra, a householder can also follow the religious conduct to the best of his abilities. I call it the religion of minor vows (Anuvrat). Bhagavan explained to Saddal Putra the codes of Anuvrat, including ahimsa and truth, which a householder could follow.. Please explain this Anuvrat to me in details. When he heard these words of Bhagavan, Saddal Putra was filled with joyBhante, I have understood what you said and believe it to be true. Gas 12 Bhadra, one should not delay in following the path of truth once one understands it. Page #15 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ Saddal Putra Yes, Bhante, I agree.. I will accept the twelves vows meant for householders and commence my endeavor on the path of discipline. After a pause Saddal Putra got initiated into the Shravak Dharma by Bhagavan. Saddal Putra Bhadra, do at once what pleases you. It is true, my lord, that we were on the wrong path. Conn He then came to his wife AgnimitraDear, today, for the first time in my life I have seen the true light of religion. Saddal Putra conveyed the gist of his discussion about fundamentals with Bhagavan Mahavir to Agnimitra. She also said I have experienced it by talking to Bhagavan Mahavir about fundamentals. The fatalism we followed is wrong. Without endeavor neither the world can, move nor any religion. Would you also like to accept this religion? Agnimitra For Private 3ersonal Use Only AD How, my lord ? My lord, please enlighten me. I also want to know. Of course! I am your life-partner. Why than separate religious paths? Page #16 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ Next day Saddal Putra and his wife Agnimitra went to pay homage to Bhagavan Mahavir. Along with many women of her family, Agnimitra paid homage. HRY Do you know? The pillar of your order has fallen. - avir 63 C500 5636 Bhante, I also felt logic in the truth revealed by you. I have faith, and belief in it and I accept it. Some days later Bhagavan Mahavir left Polaspur. Somebody informed Mankhaliputra Gaushalak That day on, the couple became devout follower of Nirgranth (Jain) religion.. The messenger What? Which pillar ? Bhadre, do not postpone doing what you believe in. Your devout follower Saddal Putra has become a follower of Shraman Mahavic What nonsense! Saddal Putra has changed? No, that is not possible. I will go there today.... Gaushalak at once left for Polaspur. Page #17 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ He went to the house of Saddal Putra who did no get up to greet; he did not even raise his eyes. Gaushalak's hopes were shattered. Onl G haka Now 2040000000000 Gaushalak came near Saddal Putra and saidBeloved of gods, Did Mahamahan come here? He saw me but did not get up to greet me. He does not even look at me. How is he a Mahamahan? 3.50 lana eu Wave Ca n Bogen Who Mahamahan 2 I call Shraman Bhagavan Mahavir a Mahamahan. 15 He thought In order to win him back I will have to do what he likes. Because gods and humans all worship him. He is an omniscient. Saddal Putra remained silent. Page #18 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ Gaushalak asked again Did Mahagopa come here ? Why can't you? W 2007 Se 66 Who Mahagopa? In this jungle like world, ignorants drift around like animals and suffer. He who steers them to the path of liberation with the stick of knowledge and religion is the Mahagopa. And Shraman Mahavir is a true Mahagopa. 31021242 prostoe Beloved of gods, if some wrestler holds fast the tail of a goat and then challenges it to a fight, the goat cannot fight and win because it has been caught by its tail. In the same way Mahavir restricts me with his logic and argument making it impossible/ for me to win in a debate. Saddal Putra asked O beloved of gods, can you debate about religion with such a great scholar and preacher? 13000 Saddal Putra got up and said Beloved of gods, you are praising the true virtues of my preceptor. therefore I invite you to stay in my shop. 16 nkkll W No I am not capable of doing that. Good, my trick has worked. Now gradually the cart I will come on the track. GO Page #19 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ Gaushalak stayed there and tried hard to reconvert Saddal Putra and Agnimitra but in vain. At last Saddal Putra conveyed dimas 100X3 000 Locicipion Beloved of gods, there is a blind man. If selfish people put him on a wrong path, will he noti be mislead ? Ma No. Yes, he will be mislead But if some expert doctor cures his blindness, can he still be misguided by those people? ba 200 66.6 Chal Jur 17 For Private Personal Use Only 92000000 10000000 Beloved of gods, an expert doctor like Bhagavan Mahavir has opened my inner eyes. Therefore I am not going to abandon the true path, no matter who tells me to do so. STI 200 Page #20 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ Gaushalak lost all hopes when he heard this. Then one day he furtively went away. One night Saddal Putra was sitting in his garden and contemplating. Suddenly he thought Fourteen years have passed since I accepted the Shravak vows. My business and other activities do not allow me to devote enough, time for my spiritual pursuits. Why) not retire from these activities and spend all my time in religious practices? Saddal Putra and his wife Agnimitra broke all the shackles of fatalism. They led a religious life persevering on the path of austerity, discipline, knowledge and service to others. Rao Archi KsKsKsKsKsKsKs In the morning he called his sons and other members of the familyI want to devote more time to my. religious activities. I hope you have no objection! 18 Page #21 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ The family members said O Beloved of gods, when a house is on fire man tries to take out the most valuable things. In the same way you should take out your soul from the conflagration that is this world. We all affirm your decision. Getting the permission Saddal Putra came to Paushadhashala. He spread a hay-mattress, took the paushadh-vow and started his meditation after salutations to Bhagavan Mahavir. WATT Around midnight a god appeared in the sky. He was huge and had a shining sword in his hand. He called in harsh tone Saddal Putra, why do you want an untimely death. You have taken vows and are sitting with a false desire of piety and religion. Abandon these codes or I will kill you today. 11 19 Page #22 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ The god caught his elder son and brought along At this threat, Saddal Putra neither looked at the god nor was disturbed at all. Now the god shouted See, you don't heed to my warning. Now, before your eyes I will cut him to pieces and throw in a frying pan full of oil. Idiot, If you don't break this paushadh-vow I will kill your son in your presence. Brookhan But Saddal Putra ignored the warning. The god in fact created that scene and also smeared flesh and blood of the eldest son on Saddal Putra's body. Even this horrendous scene failed to disturb Saddal Putra. He sat like an epitome of tolerance. The god again shouted Irritated and provoked, the god gave his third warning Saddal Putra, even now accept what I say, otherwise your third son will also face the same end. O foolish and mean Saddal Putra, if you remain obstinate I will do the same with your second son as well. 38cm 30h The god did what he said but Saddal Putra continued his meditation. Saddal Putra still remained tolerant and the god once again created the same scene. 20 For Private & Fersonal Use Only Page #23 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ Seeing all his efforts go waste, the god resorted to his final trick. He displayed his gigantic size in the sky and said, O mean and mulish person, come out of your obstinacy and abandon this paushadh-vow. Otherwise your life partner and religious wife will also meet the same fate. Before your eyes I will cut her to pieces. This warning disturbed Saddal Putra. He thought With these thoughts Saddal Putra got up from the mattress and rushed to catch the gods This rascal rogue cannot be depended upon ? When he has killed my three sons, he is also capable of killing my wife. Such sinful killer should be apprehended and punished. Catch him. Stop this rascal. 21 Page #24 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ The god withdrew the illusion and flew away in the sky. Saddal Putra struck his head with a pillar, Agnimitra came running. Beloved of gods, what happened? Why did you shout ? Saddal Putra said Agnimitra said, Some cruel and mean person asked me to abandon my religion and warned to kill my sons if I failed to do so. And he killed my three sons before me. non Beloved of gods, it appears to be an illusion. No such mean person has entered the house. For Private 2 Zersonal Use Only Page #25 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ Saddal Putra added That rascal threatened to kill you. He just entered the house to catch you. I could not contain myself and shouted a warning to stop him. But he flew away. kttai Agnimitra was astonished to hear this. Oh! I have broken my paushadh-vow under this illusion. 253,0 J Education International Yes, Beloved of gods, that is true. Now you should atone for your vows by critical review Pratikraman and repenting She pondered for sometime and said m 61.2 23 vu Beloved of gods, some mean person has created this affliction in order to distract you from the religious path. It was nothing but, a demonic illusion. mings Rightly said. And then he went through the prescribed process of atonement Pratikraman and accepted specific austerities. www.jainelibrary.o Page #26 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ After this he successfully observed the Shravak Pratimas* for many years. When his end came near he took an ultimate vow of one month duration to attain his goal. Abandoning his earthly body he reincarnated as a god in the Saudharma dimension of gods. VN OoQAAA Oo hhhhhh cs You are welcome in the Saudharma dimension of gods. T30 CO THE END P3 THE LESSON Bhagavan Mahavir has taught the lesson of endeavour to mankind-Man is the doer of all the deeds that manifest as happiness and misery. He reaps as he sows. What to say of the next life when even this worldly life does not improve if we abandon endeavour and depend on fate or luck. Therefore spend your life in doing good deeds. Do not get disturbed even when you face hardships and afflictions. This is the lesson the story of Saddal Putra provides. # Specific higher practices meant for shravaks. 24 Page #27 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ THE UNBROKEN PRACTICE OF CELIBACY In the state of Kutch lived a rich merchant's son named Vijay Kumar. One day he was so impressed by listening about the glory of celibacy in a discourse by a learned ascetic that he took a vow of observing celibacy during the dark fortnight every month throughout his life. Some time later he got married to Vijaya, the beautiful daughter of another rich merchant in the same city. On the first night after marriage, Vijaya entered the bedroom after enhancing her beauty by numerous embellishments. When she bowed down to touch the feet of her husband, Vijay took a step back. Wait a minute, darling. 18 23 2 Ji Xin 25 LRhOW D 87 EMCZ So Page #28 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ Vijaya asked with surprise What is it, my lord? Have I no right even to touch your feet? Vijaya became sad when she heard this. She thought Darling, nothing like that. But today is the thirteenth day of the dark fortnight. It is just a matter of three days. My lord, now we can never come together. 0000 Vijay Vijaya was shocked Darling, I have taken a vow of observing complete celibacy during the dark fortnights. We can be together only after the moon-less night. Why, what is the matter 24 26 HONG Darling, why are you so sad and worried? It is just a matter of three days. Page #29 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ Vijaya started shedding tears. When he saw this Vijay said Vijaya Darling, there is nothing to be so sad about. After three days we will live normally like a married couple. My Lord, I have also taken the vow of celibacy in presence of my Guru. And as that is for the bright half of each month, we will never be able to live together as a normal married couple. Vijaya turned her face and said My lord, now I am of no use to you. Please marry some other woman. tHt Why do you utter such ominous words. What is the reason? For a few moments Vijay felt as if the sky had collapsed. He looked out at the darkness of the night and thought 27 Would our life be like this dark night? We Page #30 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ Then Vijaya proceeded to leave the room-F My lord, now that we can never be together, please marry some other woman. I will serve you as a maid all my life. Making a silent resolve he called Vijaya Vijay thought Wait a minute Vijaya. We two will stick to our individual vows. A man whose resolve is broken is a coward and is no more fit to show his face to the world. We will live under one. roof in our mansion and still observe the vow of complete celibacy. My lord, please do not disappoint your parents for my sake. Don't let the lineage of your clan be broken. Vijaya looked at her husband. His face had become radiant as never before. His voice had become deeply resonant.She said When a woman can make so great a sacrifice, would it be proper for me, a man, to be a coward? Could I belittle the whole male society by marrying once again? No! Not at all. 28 Vijaya, all social relations and traditions of a clan are connected with selfishness. When you think of the ultimate goal you have to rise above such selfishness, We are now on the ultimate path. Page #31 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ Vijay then took his sword, hanging on a peg, and placed in the middle of the bed., Filled with joy, Vijaya fell at his feet. Since that day the couple commenced their disciplined, austere, and religious life observing the vow of absolute celibacy. During those days Jinadas, a shravak in Champa city, saw a dream that he is offering food for breakfast to a congregation of 84,000 ascetics. He thought when he got up 000 What a happy dream. Bhante, would then my desire remain unfulfilled? From this moment this sword will act as borderline between us. While sleeping on the same bed, we shall still remain completely celibate. Although people will take us to be husband and wife, we will live as brother and sister. Is it acceptable to you Vijaya..? Next day he went to the discourse of Vimal Kevali. After the discourse he asked the omniscient Bhante, I have an intense desire to offer food to a congregation of 84,000 Shramans. Jinadas, there is one solution. There is a way you can avail of an equivalent of the great reward of donating food to so many Shramans. Is it possible to fulfill this desire ? Shravak, it is impossible to get such opportunity. Neither 84,000 ascetics will assemble at one place nor pure food in quantities to feed them would be available. How so, Bhante? Please tell me. 29 In the state of Kutch live Vijay Kumar and Vijaya Rani, who observe the vow of absolute celibacy. They will soon get initiated as ascetics. If you offer them food with complete devotion you can avail of an equivalent of the great reward of donating food to so many Shramans. Hearing all this from the omniscient, Jinadas rode his chariot and left for Kutch state. Page #32 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ In Kutch he inquired about and arrived at the large mansion of merchant Vijay. He asked the guard D CODI haaghimbaaghaasusthichidr Does merchant Vijay live here? I want to meet him. DOS rraam and Vijay was taken aback The guard took him to merchant Vijay who was sitting in his room with Vijaya. Jinadas offered him greeting with reverence, introduced himself, and said Great is yourpractice of absolute celibacy. O observer of this rigorous austerity, I offer you my devout salutation. Who told you about this secret? B12 an Page #33 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ Jinadas told about his dream and added Jira According to Vimal Kevali I can avail of an equivalent of the great reward of donating food to so many Shramans if I offer food to an absolutely celibate couple like you. That is why I have come so far. By accepting food offered by me you have made my life worthwhile. 49 ******* Vijay and Vijaya accepted food offered by a co-religionist. Gods showered flowers from the sky Hail the observers of absolute celibacy. For ages your pious glory will inspire people to observe the vow of celibacy. 31 B 383 Page #34 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ After eating, Vijaya said My lord, we had resolved that the day the secret of our celibacy is revealed, we will renounce the world and get initiated. Today that opportunity has presented itself. The couple approached Vijay's parents Father, please give us permission to become ascetics and pursue the path of liberation. You are great. While living as a householder you led an ascetic life. Your ideal life will inspire people for ages....may you attain beatitude.... Vijay Vijaya went to the omniscient ascetic and got initiated. In due course they shed all their karma and attained liberation. THE LESSON one who has a pure heart and great resolve can lead an unblemished life even as a householder just like a lotus in a pond. The story of merchant Vijay inspires us to lead a pious life. THE END 32 Page #35 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ DIWAKAR CHITRA KATHA * and with Jain culture, history and way of life. Entertaining as well as informative, these picture books make the incidents from the life of the persons you revere come alive. They open up the glorious past of the Jain culture for you and your children. 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US $ 150.00 (Abroad) (Postage Include) Please send your amount by Draft/M.O. to any of the following addressee MAHAVIR SEVA TRUST GAUTAM THE AMBROSIA MAN A-7, SAGAR NIWAS, 1ST FLOOR, OFF MANCHHUBHAI ROAD, MALAD (E), MUMBAI-400 097. PH.: 8811397, (R) 8892121 FEDERATION OF JAIN ASSOCIATIONS IN NORTH AMERICA (JAINA) C/o DR. P.B. GADA, 4410, 50TH STREET, LUBBOCK, TEXAS-79414 (U.S.A.). PH.: 806-793-8555 DIWAKAR PRAKASHAN A-7, AWAGARH HOUSE, OPP. ANJNA CINEMA, M.G. ROAD, AGRA-282 002. PH.: 351165, 350296 C:\SANJAYSANJAY-71CH-BAK.CDR Page #36 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- ________________ JJ ARJT osa bindu gajasukumAla kI dIkSAbhilASA Apathy of Gaja Sukumala Gaja Sukumala said to his parents-this life is transitory like a drop on the tip of grass; and waves of water; so I want quickly to accept consecration, leaving this world. Hearing these words Vasudeva worried and mother Devaki swooned and fell down on flour. After coming to senses by fanning etc., shedding tears mother said--0 Son! To accept restrain is as difficult as to swim the ocean by arms and to walk on the edge of a sword you are too tender.... Antakrd-Dasa Sutra. Sec. 3/Ch.8 -Picture taken from ILLUSTRATED ANTAKRD-DASA-SUTRA., Editor : Shri Amar Muni cation internationals For Private & Personal use only E