________________
The kind Prince could bear it no longer. His heart was crying at the pain and fear the poor animals were suffering. He climbed down from his chariot and walked towards the cages.
The animals quietened down, seeing such a stately but kind and loving figure walking towards them. They knew that they need no longer be frightened.
The Prince opened the cages, and let all the animals and birds out. He told his men to return the fish to the sea without harming them. The birds flew out happy and free. The animals ran into the forest They all seemed to be thanking the Prince for saving them.
Just then King Ugrasen, the Princess's father, came to meet the Prince. He saw the Prince releasing the animals and asked, "Why have you released these animals, O Prince?" The Prince replied, "How can we rejoice, when so many animals are suffering? How can we humans feast on these innocent animals and birds we are meant to protect? What use is happiness if it is built on the suffering of so many?"
With this the Prince turned his chariot and went back.
The wedding was called off.
After some time, the Prince became a monk. Princess Rajul followed in his footsteps and became a nun. The Prince Nemikumar was none other than the 22nd Tirthankar Bhagvan Neminath.
Abhaybhai finished the story. Ajay said, "Now I can understand how the animals must feel, when they are captured and killed."
Jain Education Intemational
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
