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[Sixth Chapter]
[133]
Then the parents spoke to the liberated prince in this way: "Son! You do not know what you know, and you know what you do not know, how is this?"
Then the liberated prince said to his parents in this way: "Parents! I know that whoever is born must die, but I do not know when, where, how, and after how many days he will die? Then I also do not know why the soul is born in hell, animal, human, and divine realms due to what karmas, but I know that the soul is born in hell and up to the divine realms due to its own karmas. Thus, certainly, O parents! I do not know what I know, and I know what I do not know. Therefore, O parents! I wish to accept the renunciation with your permission."
When the parents of the liberated prince were unable to convince him with many strategies and tactics, they said: "O son! We want to see the splendor of your kingdom for one day." Then the liberated prince remained silent, following the words of his parents. Then his coronation took place like that of Mahabal, and then he received initiation from the Lord and studied the eleven angas from Samayik. He followed the conduct of a Shraman for many years. He practiced the austerities of Gunaratnasamvatsar. He attained Siddhi on the Vipulachal mountain.
**Discussion:** In the present sutra, a beautiful description of the question and answer between Prince Atimukta Kumar and his parents is obtained. When Atimukta Kumar told his parents that he knew and did not know the same thing, his parents were surprised. For this reason, the parents asked their son to explain it to them. Then he presented two points before his parents:
1. I do not know what I know.
2. I know what I do not know.
The parents were very surprised to hear these words of Prince Atimukta. They started thinking: "What is the meaning of not knowing what has been known? And what is the meaning of knowing what has not been known? When knowledge is not called ignorance and ignorance is not called knowledge, then what could be the purpose of Atimukta Kumar saying this? Finally, they said to Atimukta Kumar: "Son! Clarify your statement. We do not understand this riddle of yours."
Clarifying his statement, Atimukta Kumar said that it is not that I am completely ignorant about religion. I do not know the complete definition of religion, but I do know something. Do not consider me a small child and think that I am completely unfamiliar with the principles of religion. I am aware that whoever is born will die one day, there is an eternal relationship between birth and death. Whoever is born has to become food for death one day. I know this, but I do not know when? Where and how? After how much time will I have to endure the blow of death? I do not understand why the soul is born in the four realms due to what karma-bonds, but I do know that the soul is born in hell and other realms due to its own actions.
In the present story of Atimukta Kumar, the clear difference between limited knowledge and omniscience is evident.