________________
sheds tears everyday.”
“Is this correct?” “Yes, it is.”
“Then I have a question to ask all the ladies, do you want to cry everyday?"
“No”. “Then do not become a mother-in-law.” “But Saheb! What if we have a son?”
“Then hand him over to us. It is a million times better and is a matter of pride and joy to be known as a “Ratnakukshi mata' rather than be known as a mother-inlaw who is the root cause of acrimony. All the Shravikas are hereby recommended to conduct a survey of numerous women, present in Shri Sangh even today, who have become Ratnakukshi matas. They have married off one son while consigning the other son to the path of restraint, i.e. monkhood.
Your daughter is complaining, "Mother! Father! I am harassed. My mother-in-law makes me toil from morning to evening. I have to sweep, mop, cook, clean utensils, wash clothes. She does not allow me to eat, drink or sleep in peace. Moreover, she hurts me all the time with her bitter, harsh words. Father! I am so fed up!" I now ask you a question, “Your daughter suffers at the hands of her mother-in-law because, A) Your daughter's karmas are sinful or B) Her mother-in-law is wicked. Which of the two is correct?”
Shri Sangh = the Jain order Ratnakukshi mata = mother of a monk Shravika = a laywoman
18
