________________
132
JAIN JOURNAL
So saying the innocent child took the thread and went to his father and bound his legs with that thread. Then he came running to his mother and said, "Mother, now that I have bound my father very tightly he won't be able to move."
The mother embraced the child and kissed him on his forehead.
Ardrakakumar who was lying half awake in his bed heard the conversation of the mother and son. His heart again melted when he saw the endeavour of the little child to bind him with those weak threads. The innocent affection of the child touched his heart! He felt as if these weak threads of affection were really more strong than the heavy iron chains.
The child had rounded the thread twelve times on his feet. So Ardrakakumar decided not to leave his home for another twelve years and arrange for his son's education and wellbeing. After twelve years Ardrakakumar left his home and went to Bhagavan Mahavira. Once again he took initiation from him and plunged into his sadhana.
translated by Gita Mukherjee
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
