________________
King Pratinandi's Awakening
The jivas in this samsar have to experience the fruits of their Karmas thus. Oh! The divine beings came down to earth only to test the strength of our attachment but Lakshman died and he has gone to Hell."
Shri Ramabhadra's spirit of renunciation grew severe and austere.
485
The events of the Samsar which a jiva visualizes after he becomes enlightened surely intensify his spirit of renunciation. The jiva visualizing the effects of Karmas discards all its attachments.
"Oh! this is the heart-rending nature of the samsar. Even a Vasudev has to rot in hell. When that is so, what is the meaning of samsar and its pleasure and what is the purpose of this samsar? Enough of this samsar and all its pleasures! Instead of being steeped in this morass, I should carry out endeavours to attain deliverance from this samsar."
The great muni's soul was determined to attain deliverance and in consequence he became deeply absorbed in severe spiritual austerities in mountain caves, in the midst of wild forests. He began the austerity of fasting. He fasted for two days and on the third day he ate food. This was his routine.
Once, he happened to visit a city called Syandanasthal.
The great sage Shri Ramabhadra ! He seemed to be the moon descending to earth.
He possessed extraordinary tenderness, and his face looked splendid. It was tremendously fascinating and was resplendent with the radiance of spiritual excellence. The news of Shri Ramabhadra's visit to the city spread throughout the city. The people of the city swayed with delight when they saw him. Thousands of people thronged to see him. They saluted him and carried out a celebration to honour him. At every door, men and women stood holding in their hands plates full of delicious dishes.
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org