Jain Journal 1971 10

SR No.: 520024
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Jain Bhawan Publication
Publisher: Jain Bhawan Publication
Publication Year: 1971
Total Pages: 45
Language: English
Classification: Magazine, India_Jain Journal, & India
File Size: 3 MB

Page 34

70
JAIN JOURNAL
Bimbisara replied: "I wish you speedy success. I invite you to visit Rajagrha after your enlightenment.”:4
According to the Jaina version, Srenika's first contact with the Nirgranthas was through the sage Apathi.5 The story is very similar. Srenika had gone to a beautiful garden called Mandikuksi for pleasureexcursion and saw there a monk under the shade of a tree. He looked very delicate and unaccustomed to hardship. Bimbisara's astonishment grew when he looked at his complexion. He exclaimed : “O his colour, O his figure, the lovliness of the noble man, o his tranquility, O his detachment, О his perfection, o his disregard for pleasures."
Sitting in front of him, Srenika respectfully asked : “Though young and noble, you have entered the order; at an age fit for pleasure you exert yourself as a monk. Will you explain ?”
The monk replied: “This is because I was unprotected.”
The king laughed. Then he said: "How is it that there was nobody to protect one so accomplished as you ? I will protect you, monk, enjoy pleasures together with your family and friends, for it is a rare chance to be born as a human being.”
“You yourself are without protection, o king,” said the monk, "how can you protect me then ?”
The king said: "How do you call me unprotected when I have horses, elephants, and subjects, a town, and a seraglio, power and com
mand ?"
The monk replied : “There is a town called Kausambi where lived my father Prabhuta-Dhana-Sancaya. He was a very rich man. Once in my early youth I caught a very severe pain in my eyes and a burning fever all over my body. My father called in the best physicians but they could not relieve me of my pain inspite of their best efforts. My father would have spent all that he had but could he be able to save me from my pain ? Surely not, O king. Thus finding myself entirely without protection, I sought refuge in religion. I took an oath that if I, for once, shall get rid of these pains, I shall become a
Suttanipata, Mahavagga, Pavvajja Sutta, Buddha Carita, canto xi, verse 72. 6 Uttaradhyayana Sutra, chap. XX.