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 52

40
JAIN RAMAYAN
In course of time, Prithimati became pregnant. The joy of Sumali and his wife knew no bounds. Prithimati took extraordinary care of the child that was growing in her womb. She observed limits, restraints and discipline in respect of food, sleep, movements and thoughts. As the child in her womb continued to develop, Prithimati's body bloomed into blissful dimensions; and auspicious thoughts and felicity increased in her; and at the proper time, she gave birth to a beautiful and radiant son.
The child was named Ratnashrava. Once upon a time, the practice was to name a child in accordance with his qualities or virtues. In accordance with this tradition, twentyfour Tirthankars were named. But now-a-days, the practice has been not to name them after their virtues but in accordance with the Zodiac sign. Now, probably, the practice also has been to name their children in accordance with their own i.e., the. parents' own likes and preferences. A tin may contain oil; but it may bear the label "Pure ghee".
Ratnashrava was being brought up in the magnificent palace, in Pathal Lanka. With the idea of making the boy's future resplendent, Sumali engaged able and highly enlightened teachers to train him and to educate him properly even from his boyhood. They worked with a spirit of dedication to lay the foundations of excellent education in the boy. The boy was given expert training in the Shastras (scriptures) and in the use of Astras (weapons).
The river of time kept flowing. Transformations appeared in the life of the Prince. Having crossed boyhood, Ratnashrava entered the phase of youth. He grew impatient to fill his life with materialistic enjoyments, pleasures and prosperity.
One who utilizes his youth, wealth and beauty for the adoration of Dharma and for the attainment of spiritual elevation, is a Mahatma; but one who uses them for the attainment of sensual pleasures and physical delights is a mere Jivatma.
As soon as Ratnashrava found himself seated on the free and flying horse of buoyant and bubbling youth, the winds of