Shalibhadra Diwakar Chitrakatha 047

Author(s): Shreechand Surana
Publisher: Mahavir Seva Trust Mumbai
Catalog link: https://jainqq.org/explore/006647/1

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A Mahavir Seva Trust Presentation
DIWAKAR CHITRA KATHA
5 SHALIBHADRA
Vol. 47 Rs. Rs. 25.00
TRILOR

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SHALIBHADRA /
In Jain literature and culture the legendary wealth of Shalibhadra has become a proverb — "Wealth like Shalibhadra". But the fact is that his sacrifice or renunciation is even more astonishing than his mundane riches, beautiful and delicate body and good fortune. A tender young man, who had never stepped in sun and never experienced the extremes of heat and cold, suddenly abandoned all comforts and indulged in austerities. So rigorous were his practices that within a few months his body became weak, fragile and skeletal to an extant that his own mother failed to recognize him. He was unique not only in terms of his wealth and luxury but also in detachment and yoga. To have such tremendous willpower, determination, forbearance, and tolerance is indeed astounding. Bhagavan Mahavir has praised him with the epithet Mahasatvashali (endowed with paramount strength).
Dhanna was Shalibhadra's sister's husband. He was also a very wise, clever, valourous and pious person of his age. The story of Dhanna was published in this series at No. 8. Now we bring the story of Shalibhadra to our readers.
The story has many meaningful lessons. The reader will be inspired to follow these on his own.
-Shrichand Surana 'Saras'
Editor: Shrichand Surana 'Saras'
Managing Editors : Dr. Mansukhbhai Jain, Sanjay Surana
Translator: Surendra Bothara
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SHALBHADRA This story is more than 2500 years old. Near Rajagriha lived a widowed
milkmaid with her son. One morning
Son Sangam, the sun is already
high. Be quick! Take the cows for
grazing.
UTTITIS
Yes! mother. Here I come.
Soon it was noon. Sangam sat down under a tree to rest. He was joined by another cowherd of his age. Sangam said —
Puran also took out his lunch-bag
VOINN
What is Great! Mother has Kheer ? Is given Kheer* it sour like
today. curd ?
YAW Come Puran, let's have lunch,
ww
S)
* A popular pudding of rice cooked in milk.

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Blockhead! It is very sweet. Here, take
some.
Sangam tasted Kheer
Oh! This is excellent. Very tasty. I will also ask my mother to cook Kheer tomorrow.
VW
His mother caressed his head with love - NAUME
By dusk Sangam returned home with cows. The moment he entered he asked his mother
Mother! Have you ever eaten Kheer?
Son! When your father lived we too had ten cows giving plentiful of milk and curd. We cooked Kheer everyday. You were just two years old then.
Tears flowed from the mother's eyes.
Sangam also became tearful. He put his head in his mother's lap and slept without even eating. In the morning he said -
No matter what, mother. I am not taking the cows to
jungle without eating Kheer
Mother! Today I will eat Kheer.
Son ! There is hardly any grain in the house. How can I cook Kheer?

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The mother lost her temper. She slapped the Sangam started crying. Neighbours came and
asked boy and shouted- Do what you like!
Dhanno ! Whaty Worthless rogue!
What can I do. KYN is the matter?
Their is not a
grain in the house Why is Sangam
and the tramp crying?
says he wants Kheer. How do I get it?
OOOOM.... OOOM....OOM:
Another woman came
Hey ! He is a kid, we should grant his wish. Here, I have brought some milk.
Yes ! I will bring some
rice.
And I will give sugar.
The neighbours brought the required things. Dhanno came to console SangamCome my son! You are lucky. God has send everything needed
for Kheer. I will cook now. Stop crying and get up.
Sangam got up laughing. He washed his face and sat Enough now. down with a plate. While waiting he stared at Come serve the stove
Don't be impatient, it. I want to Mother! Is it is not ready yet.
eat now. 1 the Kheer
can't wait ready? How
anymore. long will it take ?

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Dhanno served the steaming Kheer in Sangam's plate
Son, it is very hot. You will burn your mouth. Let it cool down
Then she lifted a pitcher
I am going to fetch water from the well. Finish your Kheer and get ready. I will return soon.
Sangam waited for the Kheer to cool. Just then a wanderinal His musing continued ascetic came at the gate. Sangam saw him and thought --
Puran tells that his mother
one day offered Kheer to one Oh! He is the ascetic
such ascetic. A shower of whom I see outside the
gold and silver coins from the
sky followed. Only after that cave. For past one
she made a new house and month I find him stand
bought twenty cows. And he ing at the same
Leats Kheer everyday. spot. He neither eats
nor drinks.
15
Sangam was filled with a feel-He got up and approached the ascetic. Joining ing of devotion for the his palms he said ascetic
Giving Kheer to
such saints pleases God.
Revered one, Please come. I
have some Kheer, please
accept it.

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The ascetic looked at the child whose eyes beamed with devotion. The ascetic waited. Sangam stepped ahead
Sangam was so hungry he now licked the Kheer stuck to his plate
Oh! How tasty is the Kheer!

A
Revered one! Here, please accept my Kheer
The ascetic placed his bowl on the floor. With joy Sangam poured all the Kheer in that bowl.
The ascetic took the Kheer filled bowl and returned to the jungle where he broke his month long fast.
His mother returned after collecting water. She thought
Sangam has eaten all the Kheer in the plate. He is still hungry and is licking the plate. Is my son so hungry every day? Oh God! How unfortunate I am that I cannot even feed my only son.
5

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She said
Son! There is some Kheer
left in the cooking pot. Here, eat it all
Sangam finished that Kheer and again licked the plate clean. After some time he had stomachache
Oh god! Mother, I have
What has stomachache. It
happened
to him? is terrible.
AM
The disturbed mother ran out. She fetched leaves from some plant. She put some oil on the leaves, heated them and applied them on Sangam's belly. Sangam was squirming like a fish
VIS
I NI Calm down
(son. It will Mother! O
subside soon. mother! It is intolerable.
However, that did not happen and Sangam died after some time.

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RAJAGRIHA CITY In Rajagriha city there is a huge mansion. It is seven storeyed and larger than the Palace. It is surrounded by large lawns and gardens having ponds and fountains. The mansion is glowing with lighting decoration as if it was the festival of lights. Throngs of people are coming and congratulating the owner, a merchant.
ΤΟ ΜΟΝΟΛΟΓΟΥΝΟΠΟΙΙΟΙΤΟΙΧΟΥ ΥΙΟΥΝΙΟΥ
ContoXON
Tu
SHTONGLO PONOV
bak
ki
$40
TOYOTOXHOTOHOΣΟΣΤΟ ΤΟΥ ΚΟΥΤΙΑ
Congratula
tions, Sir.
Welcome. Please have some sweets
C
People are sitting in rows and having their meals. The atmosphere is filled with traditional music being played at the gate.
Yes! The merchant Hey! This is a feast got a son very late at the house of
in life. It, indeed, Gobhadra, the
calls for great richest merchant in
celebrations. the city. Enjoy it.

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The naming ceremony is organized in a large pavilion. Mother Bhadra has the newborn in her lap. Scholars, astrologers, relatives and friends are sitting around the merchant. Gobhadra stands up and says
The scholars have given a name to
the child. Now one from parents....!
ASORED
mannannnnnnnnn
Indeed,
you should
also give 22 one.
Que
Gentlemen, one night my wife Bhadra saw a
dream. The city is surrounded by swaying green rice plantation.
Rice plants have also grown in the dry sterile areas. Inspired by this dream of rice plants (Shali) we want to name our son as
Shalibhadra.
Excellent ! Admirable ! Beautiful !
NIMIC
Filled with joy, Merchant Gobhadra gave charity everyday for one month.

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Time was flying. One day Bhadra informed the merchant -
Next day Kalacharya Sushen, a famous teacher, came to Gobhadra -
Merchant, Gurudev ! In Rajagriha
don't worry. there is no other scholar to the child match you. Please take the looks brilliant. responsibility of coaching He will be Shalibhadra.
given excellent 1 education.
Our Shalu
is eight years old.
know, I have called
the teacher. He must be on his way.
MY
The merchant offered rich gifts to the scholar who took Shalibhadra along to his ashram.
RAJAGRIHA-AFTER TEN YEARS One day Kala charya Sushen brought Shalibhadra to the merchant's house. Mother Bhadra embraced her sonHow are you, son ?
Yes mother, with Has your education
Y your blessings my concluded?
education is complete.
Since the very next day started the visits of rich and prominent merchants with marriage proposals of their daughters. Gobhadra asked Bhadra -
See there photos. Each one of them is a beautiful,
virtuous and talented girl,
I am confused. I don't know where to say yes and where no.
PG
The merchant honoured and amply rewarded the teacher before bidding him farewell.

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Bhante! I am filled with a feeling of detachment. I want to get initiated and pursue the path of liberation.

Mon
Bhadra looked at him in surprise.
Shalibhadra now spent all his time in his palace.
Once Bhagavan Mahavir came to Rajagriha. Merchant Gobhadra went to his discourse and requesteder
ONY
PRANGYONG
If that is so. Select them all. How does it matter? Kings
and rulers too
marry many women..
And one day Shalibhadra was married to thirty two beautiful girls at the same time.
GoPr
Beloved of gods!
Do as it pleases
you.
ESNI
Gobhadra got initiated. He indulged in rigorous austerities to shed his karmas.
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At last ascetic Gobhadra accepted the vow of fasting till death. He reincarnated as a god. His deep love for his son inspired him to send boxes of divine dresses and ornaments every day to his son's palace.
Give these divine dresses and ornaments to Shalibhadra and his wives,
Oh! How exclusive and
beautiful,
66
TOTO
TOODID

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Once some traders from Nepal came to the court of King Shrenik.
Sire, these
are the costliest gem-blankets/ in the world,
Sire, great rulers and rich merchants are always eager to buy these.
Sire only hundred thousand gold coins
HUNDRED THOUSAND GOLD COINS!!

No, brother!! cannot buy such costly blanket. Public money is not for luxoury.
Queen Chelana examined and said
Excellent! They
are very soft. How light and enchanting. My Lord! Please buy one for me.
The king refused to buy the gem-blankets. The queen became sad and the merchants looked at the king with dejection.
The traders packed their bags and left. On way to the market they were talking
When the king of this place cannot afford our gemblankets, who else will buy these.
What is the price of one blanket?
12

It appears that there is no affluent merchant in Magadh.

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A maid servant standing on the road heard these comments. She stopped them and asked
We are traders from Who are you, Nepal. We are here to brother?
sell our merchandise
So, were you not able to
sell ?
Goods can be sold only if people have money to buy. A blind man cannot
appreciate the beauty of a rose.
Don't use that language for Magadh. Wait a moment. I will
ask my mistress.
The maid ran into the palace. She repeated the comments of the traders before Bhadra and added
My Lady! These people say that only poor people live in
Rajagriha.
Is that so.
Call them Nat once.
The maid brought the traders in. The traders greeted Bhadra and said
Our greetings lady. We came to Rajagriha
with great hopes. But it appears that we will have to return
disappointed.
Gentlemen! Don't be dejected.
Show me your merchandise.
nan

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The traders opened their bags
These are
expensive gemblankets.
How many blankets
you have?
Many. Sixteen Y to be exact.
Is that all? 1 would require 32 blankets
for my 32 daughters-in
law.
DIOXI
WAVNAVB
AUTO
Po
The surprised traders whispered
A person like King Shrenik cannot buy even
one blanket for his queen. This lady wants
thirty two.
She may not be aware of the price.
TOUUU
OOOOO
4
7132
Mother, they
are very expensive. One
blanket costs hundred thousand gold coins.
It doesn't matter. Cashier! Please settle
their bill. Yes Sethaniji
14

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At the palace King Shrenik left his court and went into his inner chambers. When he found queen Chelana gloomy he asked
After this Bhadra called her daughters-in-law. She cut each blanket into two and distributedHere, these
These are
Mother were not
heavy and
is giving. enough for you
Just take all. Therefore
rough.
them. take these cut
pieces.
What makes
the queen of Magadh gloomy
today?
WU
Who says I am a queen? I can't even buy a blan
ket.
P
ORS
Finding his queen in pensive mood, the king sent his man to buy one blanket. But the traders were left with none. On getting the story from the traders the king sent his man to Bhadra
Sumangala came with the information
BONANNYA
Mother! your dauthters-in-law
have thrown away the blankets after using them to wipe
their feet.
King Shrenik of Magadh
has sent the message that he requires one gemblanket for the queen. You may collect the cost from
the treasury.
Sumangala, go and get a
blanket.
The kings messenger was Idumbfounded
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| Taken aback, the king and the queen looked at each other. Shrenik said
The messenger came back and told everything to the king
The Sethani Has humbly requested that as
all the blankets have
been used. You may demand for anything else
for queen Chelana. The Sethani will come herself
with the gift.
There are such highly prosperous merchants in
our city. How grand would be their opulence!!
What is so special about her son and his wives that they throw away gem-blankets just after wiping their feet once? Let's see for
ourselves.
The king asked his servants
Go and tell the Sethani that I want to see
her son.
Bhadra herself came to the Palace and submitted before the king
All right. We Sire ! Please pardon me. Till this day my son,
will come to Shalibhadra, has not set
your place his feet outside our resi
tomorrow, dence. He is innocent
about the ways of the world. Kindly give me an
opportunity to offer my hospitality to you and your
family at my residence.
• Merchant's wife
16
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Next day King Shrenik and queen Chelana arrived in a chariot at Bhadra's mansion. Swastikas of pearls were made on the gate. Golden pillars were decorated with dangling arches of sapphire beads. Canopies of expensive clothes were suspended all around aesthetically. Looking at the grandeur the queen said
My lord!
What an astound
ing decoration!
[raff
کو سکوں
CHAUCUN
*The god of wealth.

It appears that the grandeur of the merchants of Magadh is beyond the imagination of even Kuber
Foo
que
RELE
W
and said
After a grand welcome the king and queen were brought Bhadra went to the seventh floor to a large hall on the fourth floor and offered gem studded thrones. The Sethani said
JOOOGOOG
Sire ! Please take your seat.) I will call Shalibhadra.
Son! Shrenik has come. Please come downstairs.
17

Mad
000 O
Mother, You
know I am not aware of these things. Whatever price he asks please pay and get the thing.
www.jajnelit

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AA
NA
Son! Shrenik is not a merchandise. He is our lord. King Shrenik, the
ruler of Magadh.
Oh ! I have a master. Am I a subject of someone?
Mother! Please forgive me. I did not
know that I too have a master. If you say, I will come downstairs.
SC
Be quick,
son.
Shalibhadra was thoughtful for a few moments.
Donning divine dresses and ornaments Shalibhadra came down
Is he a son of some My saluta
god or Gandharva ? I tions to the
have not seen such Lord of
beauty and tenderness Magadh
until now. ava .
King Shrenik pulled Shalibhadra in his lap. Within a few moments the boy felt suffocated due to the warmth of human touch. Beads of sweat appeared on his forehead, as if he wanted to run away. Bhadra requested
Sire! Please let
him go now.
OTTO

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Shrenik left him. Shalibhadra got up, greeted the king and rushed away like a bird freed from a cage.
O Can't he
endure
human Your maj
odour and esty! He
touch even has never
set foot outside this mansion.
XXX
A little later when Bhadra found the king preparing to leave, she requested
Sire! If you feel like bathing there are pools filled with cool and fragrant)
water in the backyard.
Sire! I humbly
extend my invitation to you
for lunch.
All right. As you wish.
konon
QUovog
At a gesture from Bhadra the attendants took the king to the massage chamber. After the massage the king took a dip in the pool
001 W
100
Great! the water is really clear, cool
and perfumed.
19
ucation International

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When he came out of the pool the king stooped and looked into the water. A maid came and asked -
To look for the king's ring, the pool was emptied. When the pool was free of water the king saw -
lan
YA
Sire! What
is the matter?
Thave dropped my ring
in the pool.
Hey! there are many shining ornaments and rings lying at the bottom. Amongst these my ring looks like a pebble.
Sire! all these
ornaments are discards.
SEWAARINN
The king once again thinks -
Is there any limit to the wealth and grandeur of this merchant? I didn't know my city had such merchants
as well.
In the mansion, Shalibhadra became thoughtful
This pleasure and grandeur is worthless. I too
have a master. I am a subject to someone. What is
the worth of pleasure, happiness or glory of a dependent?
COORDA
GA
SOLO
OLOGVOEGD.OO
mom min
QON
After lunch Bhadra offered a variety of rich gifts to the royal couple before bidding them farewell.
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All his thoughts focused at one point
Now I have to be my own master.
Shalibhadra got inspired
Let me go to such sagacious acharya and find solution to my problem.
firs
*Spiritual knowledge.

میں ملی ہاں میں ہے کہ کسی تی
Bhagavan I I also want
to get initiated.
B
Nift
Wine
wan
1.255
A friend disturbed his thought and informed
Friend! Do you know that Acharya Dharmaghosh Suri has come to the town. He is possessed of four Jnana* and highly impressive.
Taking permission from his mother he came to the garden with his friend. After paying homage, he listened to the discourse. Then he asked
Bhagavan! Tell me the process by which one can be his own master.
Son! You should get permission from your mother and then get initiated to become your own master.
21

M
WW
Son! Those who discipline their sense organs and mind become lords of the whole world.
Filament
972
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Page #24

Shalibhadra returned home and said to his mother! Now | mother
Son! You're
want to Mother!
renounce the son of a
mundane Today I listened
religious father. Reli
pleasures and to the discourse
get initiated as
gious disof Acharya
course would
San ascetic. Dharmaghosh
naturally Suri. I was
please you. elated
Son! Your body is very
tender. You have yet to experience what is pain and sorrow. The path of ascetic discipline is more difficult and painful than walking on
sharp thorns.
RO
The mother described the hardships of the ascetic life but failed to stop Shalibhadra. He had only one answer
Mother! I have firmly resolved. I will harden this body with austerities. I will take all afflictions in my stride and become my own master.
I have to liberate my soul by getting
initiated.
Son ! If this is what you have resolved,
you should practice renouncing in steps. Renounce comforts
one by one.
III
Shalibhadra accepted this advise and renounced one wife everyday along with some comforts.
22

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One sister of Shalibhadra, Subhadra, was married to minister Dhanya Kumar of Rajagriha. Since she came to know of her brother's decision she became sad.
My brother is becoming an ascetic. Who will look after my mother now.
In choked voice Subhadra said
My lord! My brother has decided to become an ascetic. He is renouncing one of his 32 wives each day. Soon he will get initiated. I am going to loose my brother.
XXXX
Droog
od nedlé mut nodar

O
b
Every moment Subhadra was obsessed with this thought. One day while she was applying cleansing cream to his husband tears dropped from her eyes. Dhanya Kumar asked with surprise
Darling! Why do you cry? What is the problem?
At these words Dhanya Kumar broke into a laughter
Listen, he is
not detached at all. He is a hypocrite. If he has to abandon, why do one by one? Why not at once?
Wage pro 23 mutant to vicda
My lord!
It is easier said than done. If he is a hypocrite why don't you set an example by doing what you say?
orile zeldine mbert ane
E

Page #26

At these words Dhanya Kumar paused for a few moments and finally decided
All right. Right 000000/
from this instant I am
renouncing all grandeur, wealth, and mundane relations.
I will tread the path of
ascetic discipline.
With these words Dhanya Kumar left his house to get initiated. On the way he came to the seven storied mansion of Shalibhadra. From the street he shouted
Shalib hadra! Come down. Don't be a coward.
Come, behave like
a lion.
My lord! What do you say?
EN
Oh! My brother-in-law
is calling.
DISTU
Shalibhadra came down. Dhanya Kumar said
They came to Bhagavan Mahavir and requested
Shalibhadra! When you
have to renounce the world, why do it slowly. Do
it at once. Come let's
both get initiated.
Prabhu ! we want to take to the ascetic
path. Please allow us.
Do as you please, beloved
of gods.
Frans
Let's
go.
ADDB002
wy
All efforts of Bhadra and other relatives failed to stop those two determined souls.
And the two got initiated.* *Hemchandracharya has written in his Trishashtishalakapurush Charitra that on getting detached Dhanya 24 Kumar directly went to Bhagavan Mahavir and got initiated along with his eight wives. On getting this news Shalibhadra also came to Bhagavan and got initiated. Later they studied the Angasutras and commenced harsh austerities together. This story of Dhanya Kumar calling Shalibhadra has been taken from other books like 'Dhanya-Shalibhadra'.

Page #27

The neo-initiates requested Bhagayan
The two ascetics indulged in rigorous austerities. They spent all the time doing Kayotsarg meditation. Due to these rigorous practices their bodies became extremely weak and wiry.
Bhante! V Son ! Austerities and Please
meditation are the tell us the two activities that will method of soon lead you to shedding your goal. karmas.
Once Bhagavan Mahavir came again to Rajagriha, Thousands of devotees came to pay homage. Ascetics Dhanya and Shalibhadra sought permission
Getting permission the two ascetics wandered around in the city and came near Bhadra's house.
LA
UUUUUUUUU
Bhante ! We want to seek alms
in the city for breaking our month
long fast.
Son ! You may go. Today you will get
your breakfast from your mother,
3
TOH
Be quick! Today ascetics Dhanya and Shalibhadra have also come with
Bhagavan. Let's go to pay homage to
them.
25

Page #28

No one recognized the two ascetics standing in front of the house. Right in front of them Sethani Bhadra rode the chariot and left.
The ascetics started back. When coming out of the city gate they met an aged milkmaid. She carried a pitcher of curd on her head. When she saw the ascetics she was filled with motherly love. Exhilarated for no apparent reason she thoughtWho are these ascetics? Why am I filled with
affection?
They also did not get any alms.
Suddenly she thought
She paid homage and said
Let me give this curd as alms to these ascetics?
Ascetics ! Would you accept alms from me ?
26

Page #29

The ascetics saw that the alms are pure and faultless. The donor is also pleased and devoted. One of them extended his alms-bowl
Mother! If want to give please put it in this bowl.
The milkmaid affectionately poured curd in the bowl.
Bhagavan continued
Shalibhadra! Try to recall. In your previous
birth you were a cowherd's son named Sangam. This Dhanna was your mother.
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Collecting alms ascetic Shalibhadra came to Bhagavan, showed him the bowl and asked
Bhante! You had I said that I will get alms from my mother but I did not get any alms from my mother's house. Nobody even recognized us.
Bhadra! The old milkmaid who gave you curd is your mother from your previous birth.
The incidents from his previous birth came live in ascetic Shalibhadra memory
27

Page #30

Bhagavan said
Bhadra! The meritorious deed of giving alms to
an ascetic observing austerities caused your
birth as the son of merchant Gobhadra
and Bhadra. You enjoyed enormous wealth because
of that only
A little later the two ascetics came to Bhagavan again Bhante! Due to
Bhadra! extreme austerities this Do what body has become very
pleases weak. We wish to practice the ultimate vow and
soul. attain our goal.
your
Prabhu! What
you say is, indeed, true.
MIM
Getting Bhagavan's permission Dhanya and Shalibhadra climbed Vaibharagiri hill with senior ascetics. Near the top they selected a large rock and lying down on it took the ultimate vow.*
* This ultimate vow is called Padapogaman Santhara. The seeker abandons four types of food and stretches 28 like a tree on a rock. Enduring all afflictions including those by ants, worms, animals, birds, men or gods he embraces death with absolute peace and serenityle & Personal use on

Page #31

Just then King Shrenik and Bhadra Sethani came
| Bhadra looked agape. Bhagavan continued to pay homage to Bhagavan Mahavir. Bhadra asked
You were in a hurry to
come here. Therefore Bhante !
the two ascetics Where are
returned without ascetics Dha
Lady! They went nya and
taking alms. for alms at your Shalibhadra? I house. But no
> want to see
body recognized them.
Bhante ! (AN them due to their
How unfortunate weak and wiry
I am.
bodies..
Then Bhadra asked
Bhante ! Where are
the two ascetics now?
They have gone to Vaibharagiri hill and taken the ultimate vow.
Bhadra went to Vaibharagiri with Shrenik. Seeing the two ascetics lying still on the rock she broke down
Oh son! I am so unfortunate that I could not offer you the last food
although you came to collect alms at my door. All my wishes and dreams
have shattered.
29

Page #32

She bent down again and again to pay homage and uttered
Son ! Please don't be angry with me. Please forgive me my
misdeed.
And out of fondness she started crying.
Bhadra wiped her tears. She and King Shrenik paid homage with devotion
King Shrenik consoled her
Lady! Why are you crying when you should be pleased. This disturbs the meditation of the ascetics. O great mother! You should feel happy that
your son indulges in the ultimate practice and pursues the glorious goal/ of liberation. You are the proud mother of
this highly potent individual.
You are great. You have renounced all the pleasures of life avail
able to you and accepted the difficult path of austerities. Millions of
salutations to you.
After this Shrenik and Bhadra climbed down Vaibharagiri.
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The two ascetics reincarnated as gods in the Sarvarthasiddha
Viman
00000
BENE
THE LESSON
This story of Shalibhadra draws attention to following main points
Charity given with pure and pious feelings is highly beneficial. In charity the importance is not of the thing or its value but that of the feeling. Feeling happy after giving charity magnifies its fruits manifold.
*Celestial vehicles.
THE END
⚫ Dhanna and Shalibhadra had no dearth of wealth and grandeur. There was no want of worldly comforts as well. But like birds in a cage, they never felt joy and happiness in mundane pleasures. They did not find freedom of soul in worldly activities. When they renounced everything and got free of attachment and fondness they experienced extreme joy and happiness even in harsh austerities. They had become their own masters.
This proves that bliss and happiness are not in mundane affluence, they are in spiritual experience. Any one desirous of spiritual bliss has to abandon mundane pleasures. He who wants to be his own master can not endure any form of dependence.
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AN INTERESTING TALE
MERCHANT AND ACCOUNTANT
In a city lived a merchant. He was the leading trader of cotton (Rui). His son's fatherin-law was also a big cotton merchant in a nearby city. The two had business dealings also.
Once the merchant had to suddenly go to Ajmer on some urgent work. While leaving he asked his accountant, "Write a letter to the in-laws of my son that I have gone to Ajmer. We have purchased cotton (rui) you also purchase cotton and send the main account book." (In Hindi: Sethji Ajmer gaye hain. Hamne rui le li hai. Tum bhi rui le lena aur badi bahi bhej dena.)
After giving the instruction the merchant left. The accountant was also in a hurry to go home. He quickly wrote the message in illegible handwriting. It read: Sethji aaj mar gaye hain. Hamne roi lia hai. Tum bhi roi lena aur badi bahu ko bhej dena. (In English: Sethji has expired today. We have wept. You also weep and send my elder daughter-in-law here.)
In haste he wrote aaj mar (died today) instead of Ajmer, roi (weep) instead of rui, and badi bahu (elder daughter-in-law) instead of badi bahi (main account book).
When the addressee got the letter, grief descended on the family - "Oh God! Till yesterday he was hale and hearty. What happened so suddenly."
The elder daughter of this family, who was married to the elder son of the merchant, at once left for her in-laws with her brother.
When she saw her father-in-law sitting normally she was astonished-Oh God! Is it the ghost of my father-in-law.
With great difficulty she could be convinced that the merchant was alive.
The daughter-in-law-But my father got a letter from our accountant that father-inlaw had expired.
When the merchant inquired it was revealed on him that the accountant had written the letter in haste. That was the reason wrong message had gone. The accountant was reprimanded. Everyone laughed and celebrated the rebirth of the merchant.
Message: Children! Illegible writing sometimes conveys wrong and damaging message. Therefore always try to write carefully and legibly.

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PLACES OF ORIGIN OF SEVEN SVARS
Athough all the svars (musical notes) originate at the navel in the human body, after rising from there they get specific tone, pitch and other qualities by vibrating at other parts of the body. Therefore these apparent sources of svar are said to be the places of origin. They are as follows
(1) Shadj is produced from the beginning of the tongue (at the throat). (2) Rishabh is produced from the chest. (3) Gandhar is produced from the top of the throat. (4) Madhyam is produced from the middle of the tongue. (5) Pancham is produced from the nose. (6) Dhaivat is produced from the teeth and lips. (7) Nishad is produced from raised eyebrows.
S.NO.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
SVARS (MUSICAL NOTES) ASSOCIATED WITH BEINGS AND NON-BEINGS

SVAR
Shadj svar
Rishabh svar
Gandhar svar
Madhyam svar
Pancham svar
Dhaivat svar
Nishad svar
JIVA
Pea-cock
Cock
Swan
Lamb
Cuckoo
Cranes
Elephant

AJIVA
Mridang
Gomukhi
Conch-shell
Manjira
Godhika
Dholak
Mahabheri
-Sutra: 260

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SHADJ 4 MRIDANG BEGINNING OF THE TONGUE RISHABH PEA-COCK GOMUKHI CHEST GANDHAR CONCH-SHELLT TOP OF THE THROAT MADHYAM SWAN MANJIRA MIDDLE OF THE TONGUE LAMB PANCHAM CODHIKA NOSE CUCKOO DHAIVAT DHOLAK CRANES TEETH AND LIPS NISHAD MAHABHERI EYEBROWS ELEPHANT THE STARTING PLACE OF SEVEN SOUNDS (SVAR) (See Details Overleaf) Picture taken from Illustrated Anuyog-Dvar Sutra, EDITOR : Shri Amar Muni