Agam 30 mool 03 Uttaradhyayana Sutra Sthanakvasi

SR No.: 002494
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Amarmuni
Publisher: Padma Prakashan
Publication Year: 2011
Total Pages: 726
Language: Hindi, Prakrit, Sanskrit
Classification: Book_Devnagari & agam_uttaradhyayan
File Size: 28 MB

Page 376

सचित्र उत्तराध्ययन सूत्र
VIMSHATI ADHYAYAN :
MAHANIRGRANTHIYA
विंशति अध्ययन [ 246]
Foreview
The title of this chapter is Mahanirgranthiya. It deals with praxis and conduct of a great ascetic and related basic principles.
The preceding chapter contained directional indications about ideal ascetic conduct. This chapter has its elaboration.
This chapter begins with a dialogue between king Shrenik and ascetic Anaathi.
One day Shrenik, the king of Magadh went for a morning walk in Mandikukshi garden in outskirts of Rajagriha city. There he saw a young ascetic engrossed in meditation. The king was amazed at his matchless beauty, tenderness and charm. When ascetic opened his eyes on concluding his meditation, the king asked
"How did you become an ascetic? Your youth and radiant body are fit to indulge in worldly enjoyments and comforts? What made you embrace yoga in your tender age of enjoyment?"
Ascetic gave a brief reply-"O king! I am anaath." (orphan or one without a guardian or protector).
Though king Shrenik did not believe what the ascetic said, because the handsome looks of the ascetic were suggestive of a cultured upper class family, he reluctantly took the ascetic's statement to be true and suggested-"I am ready to become your guardian and take you under my protection. I invite you to enjoy life. I will arrange for all facilities needed for happiness, comfort and joy for you."
The ascetic said-"O king! How can you be my guardian, when you yourself are unguarded ?"
The king thought that ascetic had not recognized him. He said-"Don't you know me? I am king Shrenik, the emperor of Magadh. I have four limbed army, treasury full of riches, vast empire, many queens and thousands of slaves. Even then you consider me to be unguarded. What you say is not true."
Ascetic said-"O king! You did not grasp what I meant by the word 'orphan' or unguarded."
Then on being asked by Shrenik, the ascetic narrated an incident from his life.
O king! I am the son of a wealthy merchant of Kaushambi city. I was brought up with a lot of love and affection. When I grew young I was married.