Jain Ramayana Part 1

SR No.: 002021
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Bhadraguptasuri
Publisher: Vishvakalyan Prakashan Trust Mehsana
Publication Year: 2000
Total Pages: 452
Language: English
Classification: Book_English, Mythology, & Story
File Size: 21 MB

Page 173

On the Banks of Rewa...
161
the Samsar. I will dedicate my life to the holy feet of the great Muni and receive initiation into the Samyamdharma”.
Ravan's face became gloomy. Stillness and silence reigned supreme in the royal court. This decision of Sahasrakiran's filled all the Rakshasa heroes with agitation, amazement and gloom. Everyone was greatly impressed with Sahasrakiran's lofty personality. Everyone was fascinated by Sahasrakiran's invincible heroism and valour. They wondered whether Sahasrakiran would really renounce life. Would he really discard the pleasures of life? Would he really become absorbed in the life of a sadhu ?
The water in the river Rewa ceased flowing and stood still. The floods that had been flowing a little while ago became transmuted into the tide of Sahasrakiran's determination. Birds stopped singing. All movements in nature came to a stand-still.
"Ravan! Do not give way to grief. I have been able to realize, and visualize the truth. This is the only way to attain salvation and liberation. This is the only way by which the soul that is caught in the cage of the body can attain liberation and elevation”. Sahasrakiran said in a lofty voice.
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Ravan's eyes streamed with tears. The earth was covered with his tears. His firmness gave way to grief, Looking into the blank sky, he was trying to find out the secret of the impulse that impelled Sahasrakiran to renounce the Samsar. He was lost in deep thoughtfulness. Again and again waves of thought rose in his mind. "What is Sahasrakiran doing? How deeply would it grieve his one thousand wives, his relatives and friends; and the people of Mahishmati to hear that Sahasrakiran has renounced the Samsar? It will cause great, anguish to them. They will be plunged in the ocean of sorrow”. Ravan while thinking thus came back to the actual world. Sahasrakiran placed his hand on his shoulder. Their eyes met. Ravan embraced him and bathed him in his tears.
Sahasrakiran was silent for a while. Then he placed the hand of his young son in the hands of Ravan: and at once, he