Treasury of Jain Tales

SR No.: 006762
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: V M Kulkarni
Publisher: Shardaben Chimanbhai Educational Research Centre
Publication Year: 1994
Total Pages: 468
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 17 MB

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difficult, but for cowards; cowards who are attached to the worldly pleasures but for those like me who have completely detached themselves from them all, it should be easy indeed. Therefore, kindly grant me the permission."
In the meantime Krsna, who was duly told about what was taking place between Gajasukumāla and his parents, rushed there to try in his own ways to dissuade Gajasukumāla of his decision. He told him that he was the future king of Dvāravati and he was destined to rule and enjoy all the royal privileges as well as pleasures. The coronation could be arranged without any delay, if Gajasukumāla so desired. But he kept quiet for a while and said, "This body, which is the instrument of enjoying pleasures is subject to decay and death. The soul alone is immortal. I am trying to choose the path that ensures the purity of the soul and leads to salvation. This surely is more rewarding than the royal pleasures and privileges of which you have spoken. Nothing really can tempt me now. Not even the kingdom of all the three worlds."
They all now felt convinced that to change the mind of Gajasukumāla was almost impossible. All that they did now was to request him to accept the crown of the king of Dvāravati just for a day before he left for the monastery. Gajasukumāla thought it best to acquiesce without any more protest. So accordingly, the coronation took place and Gajasukumāla was proclaimed the sovereign ruler of Dvāravati but at the end of the day, he was at the feet of Aristanemi. After he was duly ordained as a monk, he asked his master's permission to make the cemetery of the town his residence where he would stay in the Mahápratima posture.
One day, Gajasukumāla was in deep meditation in that posture when the Brahmin Somila saw him. The very sight of the prince now turned monk made the Brahmin furious. "He is the same rescal who has ruined the life of my innocent daughter. I must not lose this opportunity to avenge myself on the wretch." With these feelings, he went about his way to work out his revenge.
He collected some wet clay and made a bowl without bottom to fit the head of the monk. Then he got some burning coals and put them in an earthen pot which he placed on the monk's head