Page #1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
________________
A Mahavir Seva Trust Presentation
DIWAKAR CHITRA KATHA
Young Yogi Jambu Kumar
Vol. 18 Rs. 25.00
M
Jale Echication International
For Private & Personal use only
www.ja nelibrary.org
Page #2
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
________________
YOUNG YOGI JAMBU KUMAR
Water naturally flows downwards. Human mind too, naturally, runs after pleasure and comfort. Man always desires to get such pleasures even in the face of tortures, hurdles, and insults. But there also exist those rare individuals who become free of attachment. The veil of ignorance lying over their mind is destroyed. They consider all mundane pleasures to be sources of misery.
Sixteen years before the Nirvan of Bhagwan Mahavir was born one such unique detached individual. This great man renounced unlimited means of pleasure and comfort, enormous wealth, loving care of his parents, and his eight beautiful and newly wedded wives on his wedding night and took to the harsh path of ascetic discipline. To discipline the mind is much more difficult than disciplining the body. The resolute young man who accepted this difficult path became famous in history as Jambu Kumar. The strong determination, sacrifice, and detachment of young-yogi Jambu Kumar is famous as a unique example of ideal renunciation in Jain history: so much so that it is hard to find another such spiritually inspiring tale in the religious literature throughout the world.
To Jambu Kumar the feeling of detachment did not come as a result of some preaching, but intuitively as a consequence of inner awakening. That appears to be the reason behind its intensity and inspirational and emotive quality. These attributes imparted an unfailing mesmerizing power to his sermon. All his eight newly wedded wives were so impressed by his preaching that they followed his suit. A die-hard smuggler like Prabhav heard his sermon and underwent a change of heart. He also followed Jambu Kumar and renounced the world along with his 500 fellow. thieves. This astonishing incident happened during the first year of Nirvan of Mahavir (1 A.N.M. or 470 B.V. or 526 B.C.). It has become a memorable date in the history of mankind.
The dialogue between Jambu Kumar and his wives is interesting as well as inspiring. The tales interspersed within the dialogue are also very instructive. The limited space has allowed us to include a few only, but we shall try to include more in other forthcoming issues. We are indebted to Dr. Rajendra Muni Shastri, a scholarly disciple of Acharya Shri Devendra Muniji, for providing the script of this picture strip.
Written by: Dr. Rajendra Muni Shastri
Managing Editors: Dr. Mansukhbhai Jain, Sanjay Surana
Compilation: Srichand Surana 'Saras'
English Translation: Surendra Bothara
PUBLISHERS
MAHAVIR SEVA TRUST C/O DR. M. B. JAIN, B-29/30, YOJANA APTS., 5. V. ROAD, MALAD (WEST). MUMBAI-400 064 TEL.: 8892121/8811397
FEDERATION OF JAIN ASSOCIATIONS IN NORTH AMERICA (JAINA) C/O DR. P. B. GADA, 4410, 50TH STREET, LUBBOCK, TEXAS-79414 (U.S.A.)
DIWAKAR PRAKASHAN A-7. AWAGARH HOUSE, OPP. ANJNA CINEMA, M. G. ROAD, AGRA-282 002 TEL. : 351165,51789
JAIN SOCIAL GROUPS FEDERATION 4-P. VIJAY CHAMBERS, 4TH FLOOR, TRIBHUVAN ROAD, MUMBAI-400 004 TEL. : 3870724
www.jainelibrary, eng
Page #3
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
________________
YOUNG YOGI
JAMBU KUMAR
00000000A
20mm m
Forcing a smile Dharini said
HAMER
In Rajagriha, the capital of Magadh, lived a rich and reputed merchant named Rishabhdatt. His wife, Dharini-devi, was virtuous and helpful. The house of the merchant was filled with heaps of gold and silver. But the courtyard of Dharini was lifeless in absence of a son just as the star-studded sky in absence of the moon. One day the merchant said to his wife
Dharini! I am sure we
did not acquire enough good Karmas during our previous birth; that is why we have everything but a child playing in your lap.
My lord! Please don't burden yourself for what is absent... If we are fated to have a son, sooner or later we are sure to have one....
Page #4
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
________________
YOUNG YOGI JAMBU KUMAR
The merchant said
Suddenly Jasmitra, an astrologer friend of the merchant arrived. Seeing the gloomy face of Dharini, he asked
What is the matter? What worries my
Bhabhi? #
Man! You are aware of her problem.
Without a child our home appears lifeless. We are rich but destitute as well. Why don't you apply your knowledge
and read what our stars say.
I will prepare a chart for this moment and find when her wish will be
fulfilled.
Yoyo
Jasmitra made the chart and uttered with joy
The merchant looked agape
Is it true? Jasmitra! What did you say?
Stop worrying Bhabhi! Soon you will get what you wish...
Yes my dear! Bhabhi will give birth to a son whose fame will
spread throughout the subcontinent. His glory will transcend time and echo into the future....
1
SOS
#Friend's wife
Page #5
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
________________
224 dir@kobatirth.org said
වය OVON
asmitra concentrated on
Soon you will behold a lion having a white mane in your dream. This will make you believe my statement.
YOUNG YOGI JAMBU KUMAR
The prediction by Jasmitra filled Dharini with joy.
Dax
40
Then a guard came and informed
Sir! Sudharma Swami has
arrived in the
city garden.
DES
One night Dharini was sleeping in her bedroom. During the last quarter of the night she saw in her dream that a lion with silvery white mane was entering her mouth.
This appears to be a lucky day. One good news is following another. Come! Let us go to pay homage to Ganadhar Sudharma.
They all went to the city garden and attended the discourse of Ganadhar Sudharma.#
DOYRYD
This dream filled her with exhilaration.
#According to Jain Dharm Ka Maulik Itihas, Vol-ll, pages 203-4 this happened during the 14th and the last monsoon stay of Bhagwan Mahavir.
3
Page #6
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
________________
A little while later she saw a rich lush green Jambu fruit tree in her dream. The tree descended from the sky and entered her mouth.
YOUNG YOGI JAMBU KUMAR
My lord! I saw such milky white lion for the first time. The Jambu tree with large yellow fruits, in the second dream, was also unique. exo S
Dharini got up with a start. In the morning she told the merchant about the strange dreams
YON
Jasmitra's predictions are coming true.
The merchant called Jasmitra. And he commented
Bhabhil Your son will be courageous like a lion. At the same time, like a Jambu tree, he will be a unique figure of his period. His fame will spread all around the Jambu continent.
4
AR
000000
TRƯỜNG
Page #7
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
________________
YOUNG YOGI JAMBU KUMAR
Dharini went to her elderly mother-in-law with the news and touched her feet. She blessed Dharini and said
Daughter! Rare is the dream of a Jambu tree. It is the fore-bearer of great fortune. During pregnancy your food influences the physical development and your thoughts and conduct influence the mental development of the
fetus. Therefore take all care.
SALONES
52000022
TOYOTO
NOYOY
100
PPS
In due course Dharini gave birth to a brilliant child. The merchant organized a feast to celebrate the birth. He gave charity to the destitute. Among his friends and relatives he announced
1331 My wife, Dharini, had seen a Jambu tree in
her dream, so we want to name our son as Jambu Kumar.
Good!
Excellent!
All present happily endorsed the name.
Page #8
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
________________
YOUNG YOGI JAMBU KUMAR
Jambu Kumar was a prodigal child. He took interest in activities like games, music, and arts besides conventional studies. When schooling was complete his Guru took him to his father.
The merchant honoured the Guru and said
Acharyavar! A businessman's son needs mastery in commerce. All other subjects are just the means
of mental development. Why do I W
need a test?
BTBTTrell
Sir! At the young age of eight years your son has mastered the seventy two arts (subjects). If you
want you may take his test.
്റ്റ് DGADA
SOUR
IN
The merchant gifted gold and apparels to the Guru before bidding him farewell.
When Jambu Kumar was sixteen years old proposals for his marriage came from many rich merchants of Rajagriha. Rishabhdatt gave the pictures and horoscopes of all the girls to Dharini and said,
Dharini examined the sketches one by one.
This one is very beautiful. This
one is like Venus. Her eyes are mesmerizing. One or two brides are not enough for my Jambu. I will
select eight beauties for him.
Look at these and select
a bride for Jambu.
OOOO
USUM
UMUM
SONO UN
ONONOON
Page #9
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
________________
The merchant said
My son Jambu is obedient. He will not go
against my wish. I have
6-90
selected these eight girls. Please send our consent to their parents
AMA
SYSTATIO
YOUNG YOGI JAMBU KUMAR
Very good, son! You are indeed pious. But why your dress is so dirty? What happened?
What of eight, you have the capacity to bring three score and eight. But first ask your son?
DONG ΒΟΛΟΣΤΕΙ
At that moment Jambu Kumar arrived and touched his mother's feet. After blessing him the mother asked
Mother! I have returned from the discourse of Sudharma Swami.
290
Son! Where were you?
7
53
Nothing to worry about mother! On the way back when I entered the city gate a large boulder split from the arch and crashed on my chariot. I was lucky that it missed me and only damaged the rear end of the chariot slightly.
NOVER
THE
OYOU
Page #10
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
________________
YOUNG YOGI JAMBU KUMAR
Jambu said
Dharini got worried and examined Jambu's body nervously,
Mother! This accident inspired
me to think.
Thank god! My darling son has returned safe
and sound.
.
KAO
279
(What?
Had I died
in this accident ...?
No! Not at all! Don't utter such ominous words ...
Let me finish mother. I at once returned to Sudharma Swami.
Jambu said with a smile
:
Very good son! Even uttering his name provides protection..
Yes mother! My future is now free of all problems. I have resolved to remain celibate all my life.
00000cal
YG
Page #11
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
________________
YOUNG YOGI JAMBU KUMAR
Dharini was taken aback, she gaped at her son
CALZA
What? What have you done my son? You have shattered
all my future plans...
Dharini lost her consciousness. The merchant rushed to her side. The maids sprinkled cold water. Dharini recovered but she continued to shed streams of tears from her eyes.
Jambu silently changed his decision
When he saw his mother in tears Jambu Kumar thought
Just my decision to become ascetic has hurt my mother, what will happen when I will
actually do so?
The happiness of my parents is my prime." duty. So, whatever I do I will do only with their consent.
He said
Mother! Please don't worry. I will do as you say...
Dharini put her hand on Jambu's head and said, UU
Son! I will not force anything on you. But my desire is that you should marry and let me behold your beautiful wives. Later you
may do what you wish...
Page #12
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
________________
YOUNG YOGI JAMBU KUMAR
Jambu Kumar touched the feet of his father and said
Father! To comply to your and mother's wish I agree to marry. But after marriage I shall certainly take Diksha.
This information should be given to the parents of the girls.
Their daughter, Samudrashri, interrupted
Mother! You are indeed innocent. Don't you know that a bumble-bee buzzes only as long as it does not taste pollen?
Next morning a messenger of Rishabhdatt arrived at the residence of merchant Samudrapriya. Getting the message the merchant couple deliberated
00
Daughter! I know Jambu Kumar well. He is not so innocent. He is a man with strong determination. Your life depends on this decision. Think carefully...
DDDDD
Of what use is a son-in-law who will become an ascetic immediately after marriage...?
10
Father! I have accepted him as my husband. You will see who wins this game...
Other seven girls also gave similar answers to their parents.
Page #13
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
________________
YOUNG YOGI JAMBU KUMAR
Next day the parents of all the eight girls arrived at merchant Rishabhdatt's residence with gifts for the formal betrothal. At an auspicious moment Jambu Kumar was married to eight girls ceremoniously..
Seagate Beheartera
Great! I have never
seen such grand ceremony before this.
Merchant Rishabhdatt got a beautiful seven storied house constructed for Jambu Kumar.
The sound of music filled this palace. The atmosphere was made intoxicating by aroma of fresh flowers.
CI
XXXX
WAV
22001023
onnanama
2501628000
The twinkling of anklets, the melodious laughter and enticing conversation of beautiful damsels gave a sweet lusty tone to the inner sanctum.
Page #14
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
________________
YOUNG YOGI JAMBU KUMAR
Jambu Kumar came into the large central hall. At the center of the room was a beautiful throne and on its right and left were placed eight smaller thrones forming a semi-circle. Jambu Kumar took the large throne at the center and said
Yes my lord! You Please sit down ladies. This
are right is the most important night
of our lives, is it not?
500
20
CIUNEA
SUCH
The eight young women sat on the smaller thrones.
A serene and pure joy reflected on the face of Jambu Kumar. He addressed his wives
Ladies! You have agreed that this is the most important night of our
lives but did not clarify why...?
Because a husband and his wife are enjoined • by the ties of faith and love..
My lord! This night of the first
union is a memorable night
for a bride.
They all looked at Jambu Kumar smiling shyly.
12
Page #15
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
________________
Jambu said with a smile
No, my lord! Please don't utter such words..
But do you know that for you this night is also the night of breaking the ties of
faith and love?
All the wives said sadly.
Samudrashri said
MODE
My lord! Why are you renouncing all these mundane pleasures?
YOUNG YOGI JAMBU KUMAR
Jambu Kumar added
Shie
ma
You have been informed that tomorrow I will take my first step on the spiritual path. I have resolved to get initiated by Ganadhar Sudharma.
Indulgence in pleasures is the downfall of a soul. It appears to be joyous in the beginning, but the end is always miserable.
Padmashri said
13
NZO
My lord! When you had no opportunity to taste such pleasures how do you know about the result?
Page #16
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
________________
Jambu Kumar gave an example
When a sharp edged knife with honey spread over it is picked by an ignorant child he starts licking the honey.
coo
COCOO
YOUNG YOGI JAMBU KUMAR
It cuts its tongue and starts crying. All this happens because the child is ignorant.
No, he knows.
AVA
But a matured wise man knows about the consequences without even licking the knife. How can he indulge in the foolish act?
14
(
OP
Page #17
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
________________
0 0 60006
YOUNG YOGI JAMBU KUMAR
0066 66(
Thanks to the discourse of Sudharma Swami that I have realized that those who indulge in mundane pleasures acquire sinful Karmas and gravely suffer in places like the Hell. Why should I knowingly get caught in quick sand?
CHO
In those days the state of Magadh was terrorized by a great bandit named Prabhav. He had secret hide-outs in the hills. One day his informers brought the news
While Jambu Kumar was talking to his wives other rooms in the house were closed and the servants retired for the night.
Boss! Today Jambu, the son of Rishabhdatt, the richest merchant of Rajagriha, is getting married to the daughters of eight wealthy merchants. He is getting a dowry worth 100 million golds.
Good! We are going to become rich.
Prabhav ordered his gang to get ready.
15
Page #18
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
________________
YOUNG YOGI JAMBU KUMAR
After midnight when it became pitch dark, five hundred bandits entered the house of Rishabhdatt. Prabhav cast a spell and the guards and other members of the household fainted. After this he used another magical spell
All the locks in the house opened
Great! Ornaments and gems are heaped like grains in a granary!!
Look, heaps of gold-coins!!!
Shut up. Collect everything in bundles.
SRPS IN
wowy
Five hundred bandits got busy packing the wealth into bundles.
16
Page #19
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
________________
YOUNG YOGI JAMBU KUMAR
Prabhav was stunned. He looked up
Hearing the noise Jambu Kumar looked down from the balcony. He realized that thieves had entered the house. He shouted
Stop it. Who are you? Why collect all this garbage? Stay put..
VAXVEV
WITH
Who is this divine young man? Why is he still awake? How he remains unaffected
by my spell?
As soon as he uttered 'stay put the bandits became immobile as if stuck where they stood.
The bandits shouted
Prabhav went up the stairs and approached Jambu Kumar. When he watched the radiant face of Jambu Kumar he was impressed. He said,
O Merchant's son! I am Prabhav, the eldest son of Vindhyaraj, the king of Jaipur. By birth I am a prince but by profession I am a bandit. I want to
be your friend.
22
Chief! We cannot move. Get us
unstuck...
1้าทอญ
This divine youth is a step ahead of me. My spell did not effect him. And instead he has immobilized
my men.
17
Page #20
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
________________
YOUNG YOGI JAMBU KUMAR
Let us exchange our skills. You may learn the
two spells I know and please teach me the two
you know.
What magic you are talking
With your spell you have immobilized my man. Now with another spell get them unstuck...
about.
What do you
want?
Man
( (O
G )
Jambu Kumar giggled and said-
Teach these two to me. In return I will teach you the
two spells of making people unconscious and
opening the locks.
Prabhav! Neither | know any magical spell nor do I want to learn any.. For me all this wealth and grandeur is like a heap of sand
Prabhav laughed -
Hey merchant's son! You are wise and
clever for your age. You are trying to misguide me by equating this wealth, which is dearer than life to all humans,
with a heap of sand!
SV
MOTO
Page #21
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
________________
Prabhay! This is the difference between
बुष्ठ your and my attitude. Although you are a prince you indulge in despicable activities.
That too just for wealth...
מברגות
าด
ਬਲ
YOUNG YOGI JAMBU KUMAR
120
(CO) Coco
Consequently Prabhav's attitude underwent a change. He contemplated a little while and said firmly
O merchant's son! What you say is correct. The greed for wealth made me a bandit from a prince. A man who lived in regal grandeur is now living in hiding, a life worse than that of animals. I too now renounce this wealth. I will also become an ascetic
with you.
0000000000
And I shall renounce all this and become an ascetic tomorrow.
As soon as you release them I plan to talk to them.
Eu
Praise be to you, Prabhav! A mistake condoned is no mistake. Now try to correct your fellow bandits.
Really!
19
G
xoog
Page #22
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
________________
YOUNG YOGI JAMBU KUMAR
Just then there came a call
Prabhav came down and addressed his men
Stay away. Don't lift these bundles.
Why chief? Has the man upstairs cast a spell on
you?
Chief we are all released. Come,
let's go.
Prabhav said
When Prabhav conveyed his decision to become an ascetic his men said,
Jambu Kumar is right. Our greed has made us bandits and murderers
otherwise we would also have led a happy life... Now I will not indulge in
stealing.
A NORUYOXYYNYNNXON
Chief! We will also go with you. We will also follow the
path you take...
MAIN
20
Page #23
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
________________
YOUNG YOGI JAMBU KUMAR
Jambu asked with a smile
Jambu Kumar returned to his chamber and sat down to talk to his wives. His second wife, Padmashri said,
What made the monkey repent.
Tell me.
Darling! You have all the comforts and pleasures during this birth. Why do you want to abandon these and pursue the pleasures of the next birth. I have a doubt that you may also have to
repent like that monkey...?
TOLONG
COCCACE/
200000
Padmashri told the story - There was a wish-fulfilling pond in a jungle. On its banks there was a large tree. A monkey couple was perched on a branch of this tree.
The male monkey jumped from one branch to another ...
Sun
The
cl
ins
とど
S
mm
Mw
Page #24
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
________________
YOUNG YOGI JAMBU KUMAR
... but it slipped and fell into the pond.
The divine water in the pond turned it into a handsome young man.
sias
Observing this the female also jumped into the pond.
It also turned into a beautiful young woman. Coming out of the pond the man said to his wife
This is a miraculous pond. The moment we took a dip into it we turned from monkeys to human beings. Now if we once again take a dip we shall turn
into gods, from human beings.
bol
901801
22
Page #25
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
________________
The wife tried to prevent
Darling! Don't do that. Be contented that you have got a beautiful human body.. Greed leads to misery.
What have I done?
The man once again jumped into the pond. The moment he surfaced he found that he had turned into a monkey. He kept on taking dips time and again but in vain. The monkey now started crying.
8b0
сме
YOUNG YOGI JAMBU KUMAR
The man was overwhelmed with the craving to become a god; he said
You are an idiot. It is wise to keep on trying for more and more.
Mr
At that instant a king, hunting in the jungle, arrived there and saw that a beautiful damsel was standing near a pond."
SA
What a beauty and what charm!! I would make her my queen..
23
Quis
M
Charle
Page #26
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
________________
YOUNG YOGI JAMBU KUMAR
The angry monkey pounced at the guards. They caught it, and gave it to an animal-tamer.
The animal-tamer beat the monkey and trained it to perform acrobatics and dances. He took it from village to village.
ION
1
One day the animal-tamer took the monkey to the king's court for a performance. The monkey recognized its mate sitting as queen on the throne. The lost memories were stirred up once again and it started crying miserably
Alas! This is my mate.
What did I do?
Page #27
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
________________
YOUNG YOGI JAMBU KUMAR
Concluding the story, Padmashri said,
Jambu Kumar smiled and said,
RI
My Lord! Driven by his craving to become
a god the monkey lost the human body as well as its mate and repented all its life.
The same way, to get the bliss of liberation you might loose the available mundane pleasures
and repent all your life...
Lady! Only he repents for lost pleasures who has desires. The monkey had desires for pleasure, and that is why it repented all his life. I will tell you the story of Angarak...
ᏍᏫᏍ
OZONOWO
- her
DIE
All his eight wives became curious and listened attentively.
There was a coal maker who burnt wood in the jungle and turned it into coal. Once during the summer he was burning a heap of wood. Due to the oppressive heat he felt thirsty. Slowly he finished all the water he had brought. A little later he became thirsty again.
Oh! my mouth and throat are parched
with thirst.
ایمان
25
Page #28
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
________________
In search of water he wandered around. When he arrived under a dense tree he fell exhausted.
How cool and soothing is this place.
TI
YOUNG YOGI JAMBU KUMAR
1
When he woke up he walked into a pond. He bent down and tried to collect some water in his cupped hands. But he got only some slime in his palms.
14
The
KNM
The cool wind and refreshing shade made him sleep at once.
He kept on trying to quench his thirst by licking that slime ...
26
He saw a dream that tormented by thirst he was visiting a variety of water bodies like wells, ponds, and lakes and drinking water.
XA
MAS
чиси
Even after drinking all the water his thirst was not quenched.
212
Concluding the story Jambu Kumar looked at Padmashri and asked-f
Tell me, when the fresh water could not quench his thirst, was it possible for him to do so by licking the slime?
No, it was impossible.
Page #29
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
________________
Jambu Kumar added jovially
Our soul has drifted from one life to other and enjoyed divine pleasures as king of gods, gods, Chakravartis, etc. When all these divine pleasures could not quench its desire how can it get satisfied with slime-like insignificant pleasures available to it as a human?
88
YOUNG YOGI JAMBU KUMAR
This irrefutable logic of Jambu Kumar silenced all the ladies. They looked at him expectantly. Jambu Kumar explained further
This discussion, interspersed with stories, continued. Due to the sound reasoning of Jambu Kumar the dawn saw the inner awakening of his eight wives. They said
XXX
Ladies! Indulgence can never quench the thirst of mind. Inner peace can only be attained through detachment from all mundane indulgence. The only way to do that is the path of discipline and renouncing.
O great man! Your sagacious knowledge has inspired us to pursue the spiritual path. We are filled with the feeling of detachment and will get initiated with you...
27
Page #30
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
________________
YOUNG YOGI JAMBU KUMAR
Jambu Kumar said
In the morning when Jambu Kumar went and touched his parents' feet his mother asked
If you are determined, please inform your parents. After getting their permission we shall get initiated
tomorrow...
Son! I am sure you have abandoned
the idea
CSAKYO
NOCOON
HILDIZ GAAAAAAAAAAAAC
On the contrary, Mother! now
am not alone. All my eight wives are following me on the
spiritual path.
The mother looked agape.
The father said
With the dawn the news spread in the city of Rajagriha and became talk of the town
Truly speaking, we are in that age group. But we have yet to
wake up.
So what! The day starts when you are awake. When our young son and his wives are renouncing the world at their youthful age, why should we remain
caught in this swamp...
The only son of Rishabhdatt The bigger surprise is that is leaving his wealth and all his eight newly wedded becoming a sage!!
brides have also decided to
follow his suit!!!! And his parents are also getting
initiated!!!
SE QUE
28
Page #31
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
________________
YOUNG YOGI JAMBU KUMAR
Getting this news King Kunik, the ruler of Magadh, arrived at Rishabhdatt's house and greeted Jambu
Kumar! Your detachment is commendable. I find myself unable to follow the spiritual path but still I sincerely praise and support it. If there is anything you want me to
Sire! Your extending support to those who follow the path of renunciation is good enough.
Sire! This is Prabhav the bandit chief. He has committed numerous crimes in your state but...
Just then the bandit chief, Prabhav, arrived there with his 500 men, ready for the Diksha. He greeted Jambu Kumar and then King Kunik. The king looked at him with surprise. Jambu Kumar explained
Prabhav! Here
and in this dress?
OYOYOJAO
Kunik was taken aback. The name of Prabhav made every soldier present there alert.
For Priv29 Personal Use Only
EVOVOY
Yo
DOK
Page #32
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
________________
YOUNG YOGI JAMBU KUMAR
Sire! He entered my house to rob but when he listened to my advise he underwent a change of heart. He is ready for Diksha with
his 500 men.
Sire! I have a request to make. As Prabhav is prepared to get
initiated with all his 500 men, kindly pardon him for all the sins
he has committed.
Indeed, the effect of your sermon is
astonishing.
KOS
GO
Kunik said to Prabhav politely
The masses applauded
Gentleman! There is hardly any scope
left for my pardon.. You have abandoned everything on your own. Still I formally pardon you for all the crimes. You may get initiated
without any hindrance.
Victory be to sage Jambu Kumar!!
SA
ON
May King Kunik be
victorious!
VOTO
LODCUDUDOU
200UU
OU
Page #33
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
________________
After this the renunciation procession started. It was lead by King Kunik and his army. Following him was the ruling deity of Jambu continent, God Anadhrit, with his divine grandeur. Jambu Kumar was sitting in a palanquin. Then came his eight wives, also in palanquins. His parents followed on feet along with Prabhav and his 500 men. In the end came the multitudes from Rajagriha and nearby villages. Passing through the streets of Rajagriha the procession arrived at the Gunasheel garden.
Praise be to Jambu Kumar, the embodiment of detachment!
YOUNG YOGI JAMBU KUMAR
lo
டாட்
Joxer
And Jambu Kumar along with 526 persons got initiated by Ganadhar Sudharma Swami.
31
Victory be to Sudharma Swami!
Logicaled
COSY
THE END
Page #34
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
________________
1.
San
MORE DETAILS The being that was Jambu Kumar, in its earlier birth was an illustrious god named Viddyunmqali. Before 16 years of his Nirvan, Bhagwan Mahavir was offered homage by this god. In answer to a question from King Shrenik Bhagwan had said-After seven days this god will descend into the womb of Dharinidevi, the wife of merchant Rishabhdatt, and will be born as a son. He will become famous as Jambu Kumar and will be the last omniscient of the Bharat area. According to the information available in various texts including those by Acharya Hemchandra Jambu Kumar was born 16 years before the Nirvan of Bhagwan Mahavir. He took Diksha at the age of 16 years under Arya Sudharma, a few
days after the Nirvan. • The names of the eight wives of Jambu Kumar and their parents are as followsWife
Father
Mother Samudrashri Samudrapriya
Padmavati 2. Padmashri
Samudradatt
Kamalmala 3. Padmasena
Sagardatt
Vijayshri Kanaksena Kuberdatt
Jaishri Jaisena Kubersen
Kamalavati Kanakshri Shramandatt
Sushena 7. Kanakvati
Vasushen
Virmati 8. Jaishri
Vasupalit
Jaisena The individuals who got initiated with Jambu KumarJambu Kumar (1); Prabhav and his men (500); Jambu's wives (8); parents of wives (16); Jambu's parents (2);
total 527 persons. In the Digambar texts the name of the character Prabhav is mentioned as Vidyucchor. Important dates in the life of Jambu SwamiBirth : 16 years before the Nirvan of Mahavir Diksha : 1st year after the Nirvan of Mahavir Acharya (hood): at the end of the 20th year after the Nirvan of Mahavir Omniscience : 20 years after the Nirvan of Mahavir (after the Nirvan of Arya
Sudharma) Nirvan : 64 years after the Nirvan of Mahavir or 462 B.C. (at the age of 80 years). With the Nirvan of Jambu Swami 10 special 'spiritual powers became extinct. They are 1. Manah-paryav Jnan, 2. Paramavadhi Jnan,
3. Pulak Labdhi, 4. Aharak Sharir, 5. Kshapak Shreni,
6. Upsham Shreni, 7. Jinkalp,
8. Three types of unique conducts, 9. Kewal Jnana, and 10. Moksh.
( 32 )
Page #35
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
________________
HUMILITY
her
In the previous issues of "Compassionate
THeart” I have written on the art of developing the qualities of the soul. Manifestation # of these qualities helps build our character and
personality. Flowering of the qualities within us we are indirectly flowering our consciousness. It is important that we read the articles in the magazine carefully and understand each quality in
Compassionate Heart the light of self : Atma. Before we go to another virtue, let us evaluate ourself candidly and try to change that needs to be changed. Let us examine the following: Are our feelings easily hurt? The expected telephone call didn't come? Somebody forgot our birthday? We weren't invited? They didn't ask us? They insulted us?
Everybody gets his ego bumped now and then and does no know what to do with the hurt and pain caused by other ignorance. Now what matters is how the bruise is handled. Today we are going to look at the role of humility in our process of self development. Humility means to be humble, to be polite, to be respectful to others. To handle the bruise we have to know how to handle our emotions. Let us see how to handle the situation.ba
Disappointments can help one to develop both character and charm. Every time we resist the temptation to feel sorry for ourself, we increase our stature. Every time we refuse to whine or sulk, we improve our personality, Every time we demonstrate that we have what it takes to rise above such situations, we gain the silent respect of others. In emergencies of this kind, we must keep our mouth shut; resist the natural impulse to pour abuse on the heads of those to blame for our disappointment. Finally, resolve and really mean it that we will do our best never to bring that kind of unhappiness on anybody else. This kind of behaviour can be reflected only when humility is developed. Our ego and pride are responsible for any kind of emotional pain or distress. As soon as we become humble and remember the words, "They do not know what they are doing” our suffering evaporates. As day light can be seen through very small holes, so little things illustrate a person's character. Indeed, character consists in little acts of humility, modesty, gentleness, well and honourably performed. One of the most marked tests of character is the manner in which we conduct ourselves towards others. In humility there is a certain grace.
It is not the job of humility to make us feel small, but to expand our capacity for understanding, appreciation, awe, delight; to stand silent before all that we do not know and then to get on with the work of finding out.
Humility puts people at ease, helps them to relax. It recognizes the worth of the individual, protects his dignity and inspires him to think well of himself without letting him feel inferior. Graceful behaviour towards superiors, inferiors and equals is a constant source of
Education International
Page #36
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
________________
joy. It pleases others because it indicates respect for their personality but at the same time gives tenfold more joy to the giver.
Humility teaches us the true facts of life. All that we see is matter, and matter of which this world is made of is destructible. Why pride in them? No one can take anything with them when dead. Worldly treasures are here to stay but the treasures of the heart like love, compassion, appreciation, gratitude, humility ete. goes with the man when he leaves the world.
Here I remember an old Persian story. An old Persian King wanted to give a gift to his sixteen year old son on his birthday. He decided to give a gold ring inscribed with the words, "This too shall pass away." The Prince did not understand the implication behind these words. But he wore the ring and often thought about the inscription.
One day he went to war with his father. In the fight he was severely pierced by an arrow and lay in bed for weeks in great pain. At that time of agony he looked at the ring and remembered his father's meaningful gift and said to himself "this too shall pass away." These words brought comfort and solace to him.
Then one day when he got older he married a beautiful lady. He was very happy with her and the kind of life he was living. But amidst this joy and merriment he again remembered the inscription. "This too shall pass away," and reflected on the ephemeral (short-lived) nature of the worldly pleasures. He was crowned king after the death of his father. On his coronation day he looked in a mirror and said to himself, "Even this even this body of mine will pass away." And it did.
redo beste
of ano glad
ICE
janomab
His last words before he died were: "Even this great empire which I so proudly rule will pass away. And it did. In this way he realized the short lived nature of glory. We all should get into the habit of repeating to ourself the words on the ring. This would help us to be humble and polite instead of arrogant and snobbish. out rav This story says that in life nothing is permanent. Then what are we boasting about? Even this body of ours will pass away. The only thing that is permanent is our soul, our Atma which resides in this body. So in joy or sorrow if we learn to be humble and polite the consciousness will not be bruised with pain or agony. grid of oven lead tuo ob lliw
yllas bus
Humility so often seems vaguely desirable but not really attractive. Because when we have money, power, talent, beauty, we like the world to know about it. We forget that in our exhibition of these things we belittle others and indirectly instil the feeling of inferiority and lowliness. Is this not violence? Injuring others feeling and self-worth is not himsa? This is no way of self-development. 1818000 19
bason!
1996
Though humility seems spineless, incompatible with intellect and vigorous spirit, it is infact the reverse. The figures we commonly hail for their humility Mahavir, Buddha, Ram, Krishna, Jesus were never timid souls, but men of strong destiny with a firm determination to carry it out. Humility is not self-belittlement or undervaluing one's self, it is a tough, free, confident characteristic which results from self respect and respect for others.. It does not saturate a personality but flavours it.
to
mid gnis ໃນ ງາ
Usingoods Hoamid to
Walipo
blo
natyo gaibnit to also leglod sans 38 quid one m
Jai Jinendra Pramoda Chitrabhanu
Page #37
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
________________
FOURTEEN DREAMS OF QUEEN TRISHALA
Queen Trishala had fourteen dreams when she was pregnant. All the dreams symbolized the good qualities of her child. Queen Trishala was very happy to have such a wonderful child. That child was Lord Mahavira. He showed us the path to freedom from the cycle of birth and death. Some scripts mention Queen Trishala
had sixteen dreams. The fourteen dreams were as follows: 1. Simha (The Lion) 2. Hathi (The Elephant) 3. Rushabha (The Bull) 4. Lakshmi (The Wealth) 5. Mala (The Garland) 6. Chandra (The Moon) 7. Surya (The Sun) 8. Dhwaja (The Flag) 9. Kalash (The Pitcher) 10. Padma Sarovar (The Lotus-Lake) 11. Ksheer Samudra (The Milk-Ocean) 12. Viman (The Heaventy-Vehicle) 13. Ratna Rashi (The Heap of Jewels) 14. Agni (The Fire)
international
Page #38
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
________________ HUMAN BEINGS ARE THE FIVE-SENSED LIVING BEINGS Ear -Eye - Nose Tongue -Skin We feel with our skin, taste with our tongues, smell with our noses, see with our eyes, and hear with our ears. WE ALL HAVE FIVE SENSES