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 255

Indra's Exit
243
Worry and agitation consume a man like fire and consign him to the dark abode of death prematurely. A jealous man grows weaker and weaker day by day, and his mind and heart grow hard and cruel.
Anandmali married Ahilya and returned to his capital; and began to spend time happily in the company of Ahilya. In course of time, he lost interest in sensual pleasures; and began to entertain thoughts of renunciation. How long does a man retain his sensual cravings ? As long as there are desires in him, his cravings also continue. When desires grow weak, cravings disappear and the spirit of detachment appears.
Once, Anandmali said to Ahilya giving expression to his thoughts :
"Dear queen! I have lost interest in wordly pleasures". Having said this, he paused for a few moments to see what effect his words might produce on her. He tried to scrutinize her feelings closely; but no gloom or sorrow appeared on the face of Ahilya who was a woman of great nobility and purity; nor was she agitated or worried.
"I feel that I should renounce wordly life and receive initiation into the Charitradharma expounded by Paramatma Jineshwardev. I hope you will not feel sad if I become a sadhu.
"Oh lord of my life! Your aspiration is auspicious and sublime. This is the tradition that a Kshatriya should follow. When the proper time comes, one should renounce wordly life and spend the remainder of one's life as a sadhu. This is a noble tradition.
"But my queen! Will this action of mine affect you? Will it cause sorrow to you !"
"If I feel sad, it is my selfishness. Even I have been entertaining thoughts of renunciation. Of course, I will be sad because I have been living with you for years sharing your joys and sorrows with love and attachment for you; but I do not want my sorrow to be an impediment on your sublime path”.