Jain Ramayana Part 2

SR No.: 002022
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Bhadraguptasuri
Publisher: Vishvakalyan Prakashan Trust Mehsana
Publication Year: 2000
Total Pages: 518
Language: English
Classification: Book_English, Mythology, & Story
File Size: 23 MB

Page 226

214
JAIN RAMAYAN
Shrishen's concentration was disturbed. He looked towards the road. A Jain Bikshu was coming down the road. He wore soiled and torn clothes. In one hand, he held a wooden bowl; and in the other, he held a long stick. Some priests were coming behind him rebuking him and making jokes at his expense. When the Bikshu came up to his residence. Shrishen stood up: went up to the Bikshu who was walking along the road, saluted his feet with heartfelt devotion; and stood near him. Many others saluted the Bikshu. The priests who were coming behind the Bikshu were amazed to see this. One came forward; and said.
"Oh noble man! You are a magnanimous person. You have come here from another country. Your fame has spread throughout the city; but this action of yours appears peculiar to us".
“Dear priest! If you think seriously about my action you will surely visualize the truth in it.”
“Do you think that there can be truth Dharma ?” ..
in
this polluted
"I think you have stained your fame by saluting such a dirty Bikshu...
"Indeed, it is proper to think about purity and impurity in Dharma”.
"He does not take a bath; and does not carry out scriptural studies and spiritual activities; nor does he perform Yajnas. How can his Dharma be pure ?" said one of them angrily.
“Dear sir! Do not speak thus of the Muni. He has bathed himself in the waters of celibacy. He meditates upon the soul and the supreme soul. He has mastered the scripture Dwadashangi. His Yajna is his non-violence. Seeing his outward dusty appearance; and his soiled clothes, do not treat him with contempt”. Shrishen again saluted the feet of the Muni. Those who were making fun of him also treated him with regard.