________________
The Value of Forbearance
Meghakumar was the son of King Shrenik and Queen Dhaarini. One day Bhagawan Mahavir came to Rajgriha. Thousands of people came to listen to his discourses. Prince Meghakumar was tremendously influenced by his lectures. As a result of the great impression left on him by Mahavir's words, he decided to become a monk.
The prince came to Mahavir and said, "O Lord! I have listened eagerly to your lectures, have keen faith in you, and earnestly desire to become a monk.” After Mahavir granted him permission to be initiated, Meghakumar returned home and apprised his parents of his wish to renounce the home.
At first they were very reluctant to allow such a thing to happen. Attempting to convince him otherwise, his mother claimed, “You are the apple of my eyes, the heart of my world. How can I live without you? First seek worldly pleasures, then live the austere life of a monk.”
Meghakumar pleaded, "Mother! who knows about death? I am alive at present, but I may soon die. Life is momentary. The world is full of sorrow.” Thus did Meghakumar finally convince them and obtained their permission to be initiated into monkhood.
After his initiation Bhagawan Mahavir said to him, "Meghakumar! now you are a monk. You must walk, sleep, sit, speak and stand with self restraint.
