Jain Ramayana Part 3

SR No.: 002023
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Bhadraguptasuri
Publisher: Vishvakalyan Prakashan Trust Mehsana
Publication Year: 2000
Total Pages: 518
Language: English
Classification: Book_English, Story, & Literature
File Size: 24 MB

Page 165

The Reunion with Sita
153
the path of sadhudharma, but before we become initiated into the sadhudharma, we desire to know something about our earlier lives. You are a Kevaljnani. You know the past, the present and the future. You know the inmost thoughts and feelings of all Jivas of all times and climes and of all their lives. Therefore, if you will be so gracious as to enlighten us on our poorvajanmas, our spirit of renunciation will grow stronger and our long-cherished desire also will be fulfilled.”
Silence reigned supreme in the congregation. Even the heavenly beings were eager to hear the stories of the earlier lives of Ravana's sons. After a little silence, the great muni began his narration in a serious and dignified voice.
"In ancient times, two brothers lived in the city of Kaushambi. They were in great poverty and adversity. One was called Pratam and the other was called Paschim. Once a great muni by name Bhavadatta happened to visit the city. The people of the city went to hear his discourses. His discourses were like a boat that could take human souls across the ocean of samsar. Everyone who heard the discourses felt that his life had attained real fulfilment. The brothers Pratam and Paschim also were influenced by the discourses and their sensual passions subsided. In consequence, the two brothers sought refuge at the feet of the great muni and renounced the samsar. The two brothers became Sadhus and began travelling on foot with their gurudev from place to place spreading their gurudev's sublime message.
They pursued the path of austerity, renunciation, meditation and enlightenment and were absorbed in their endeavour to attain spiritual elevation. After a long time they by chance visited Kaushambi. At that time, in the city the people were celebrating the spring festival. The citizens, the members of the royal family and all the others joined together in celebrating the festival forgetting all differences and disparities among them. The two brothers arranged for the stay of the muni in a cottage in a garden outside the city.
By chance king Nandighosh and his supremely beautiful queen Indumati happened to visit the garden. Even the king