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KING SHRENIK AND ANÄTHI MUNI
29 - King Shreník and Anäthi Muni
King Shrenik of Magadha set out for a forest outing on a horse. As he entered the Madikuli garden, he saw a saintly person in meditation under a tree. He was surprised at the sight of such a pleasant face with a glowing forehead and was impressed by the monk. The King wondered as to what heart-rendering and shocking experiences of worldly life might have led him to forsake the joys and pleasures of a youthful life and resort to a saintly way of life dedicated to penance. The King bowed before the monk and asked politely, "I request you kindly set to rest the doubt agitating my mind. What has compelled you to take dikshä in the prime of your life? As I look at the unusual beauty of your body and your youthful age, I am prompted to ask as to what compelled you to forsake your family, wealth and dear ones at such a young age.”
Anäthi muni explaining why he took dikshä
In a loving tone the monk said, "O King, I was absolutely lonesome and a helpless being in this world. There was neither any protector, nor friend. I abjured the worldly life because of such helplessness."
JAIN STORY BOOK
107
