Shraman Bhagvana Mahavira Part 2 Vibhag 2

SR No.: 008003
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Ratnaprabhvijay, D P Thaker
Publisher: Parimal Publication
Publication Year: 1989
Total Pages: 802
Language: English, Sanskrit
Classification: Book_English, Biography, History, & Religion
File Size: 20 MB

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different mould. From his young age, he had many opportunities of experiencing ups and downs of life. So that, although he had great longing for royal wealth which he had obtained after much waiting, still however, he had pious faith in a number of saints, and he honoured them on various occassions, and as a consequence, he had high respect for ascetic life. It is a different question that King Sréņika had not himself accepted sādhu jivana (ascetic life), and that during the latter portion of his life, he was imprisoned and cruelly treated by his son Ajatasatru (Kupika), and at last he met with an unnatural death. But it must be said to the credit of King Sréņika, that he always took delight in seeing that his own family-members and the general public should mix freely with ascetics and saints, that they should thoroughly understand the real essence of the principles of individual religions, and that they should adapt them into their daily life. He never prevented any of his own queens, sons, or citizens-males or females, poor or rich-from renouncing the world, and taking Dikṣā from suitable Gurus (preceptors), but, by issuing a public proclamation, he always encouraged with suitable helps
With his son Mégha Kumāra, when all persuation proved futile, King Sréņika, followed the same policy. Just to please Queen Dhārini-- the mother of Mégha Kumāra, the wise king, had the Installation Ceremony of appointing Mégha Kumāra as a king, on the throne of the Kingdom of Magadha, performed with great pomp, and at the anointing ceremony, he said.-My dear son! may you be victorious! I entrust you with the authority of governing the entire Kingdom of Magadha, and remaining as a householder, may you become the King of Magadha for a long time like King Bharata."
Mégha Kumāra was not to be enticed by such methods. On assuming the royal authority his first order was :-"You bring the rajo-haraya (a fine woollen brush kept by Jaina Sadhus for getting rid of small insects and vermins that may be crawling about)