Jain Heritage and Beyond

SR No.: 006519
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Shailesh Shah
Publisher: Oshwal Associations of The UK
Publication Year: 2005
Total Pages: 174
Language: English
Classification: Book_English & Spiritual
File Size: 37 MB

Page 154

to come down to greet and honor him." The word “master” started ringing in his ears. He wondered, "Why should I have a master over me? I should be the master of myself.” While thinking like this, he came down and paid his respect to the king, but he did not stay very long,
He kept thinking that he was not a free person because there was someone like a king and master over him. He started to think about his father (who had become a monk) and the real meaning of life. He decided at that very moment to become a monk and told his family about his decision. His mother and all his wives tried to convince him to spend some more time with them. However, he was determined to renounce the world. Instead of renouncing all his possessions and family members at once, he agreed to spend one day with each of his wives and at the end of thirty-two days he would become a monk. He started to do that the very same day.
Shälibhadra had a sister named Subhadrä. She was married to Dhannä. Dhannä had eight wives. One day Subhadra was giving her husband Dhanna a bath and suddenly tears rolled down her face and fell on him. He asked her why she was crying. She told him that her brother had decided to become a monk and that he had been spending one day with each of his wives and at the end of 32 days he will become a monk. Dhannä laughed and told Subhadrä, “Your brother is a coward. If he wants to become a monk, then why wait for 32 days?" Subhadra was upset to hear that, and told her husband, "It is easier said than done." This sparked awareness in Dhanna's mind and he told her, "I am leaving all eight of you right now to become a monk." Subhadra was taken by surprise. She thought that her husband was joking. However, Dhannä said, “It is too late now. I am determined to become a monk. If you all want to join me, you are welcome." Seeing Dhanna's determination, Subhadra and other his seven wives decided to become nuns.
Dhannä then went to his brother-in-law Shälibhadra's palace and challenged him, "Hey Shälibhadra! If you really want to leave your family and possessions, then what are you waiting for? Join me.”
Shälibhadra heard him and accepted the challenge. He told his wives and other family members, “I am leaving you all today.” He went down to join his brother-in-law. All of them went to Lord Mahävir, accepted Dikshä and became monks and nuns.
After observing severe penances as monks, Dhannä and Shalibhadra were born as heavenly beings in heaven. From there, they will be born again as human beings and attain liberation.
Selfless service always pays off. Neighbors helping neighbors reflects a caring society. The virtue of a charitable act in the life of a little boy was rewarded multiple times in the life of Shälibhadra. As a result, he was able to leave everything easily. Good deeds always leave an imprint on the soul. Good deeds and practicing penance ultimately leads to the liberation of the soul.