$JES 203 First Step of Jainism Level 2 Book

Author(s): JAINA Education Committee
Publisher: JAINA Education Committee

Page 93

Kapil Muni
In ancient times king Jitshatru was the king of Kaushämbi, India. A learned man named Kashyap Shästri lived in the city. He was a royal Priest and was held in great reverence. He and his wife, Shridevi, had a son named Kapil. Being the only son his parents thoroughly spoilt him. He therefore lived a careless and luxurious life and did not pay much attention to his studies. Consequently, when his father died the king appointed another knowledgeable person as the royal Priest. Shridevi was very disappointed that her son could not achieve the status of the royal Priest. Once Kapil saw tears in his mother's eyes and inquired about the cause of her grief. She replied that if he had been as learned as his father he too would have attained the rank of the royal Priest.
Kapil had great respect for his mother. He realized his foolishness in not studying seriously. He said that he was willing to undertake his studies and be as learned as his father. His father's friend, Indradatt, was very knowledgeable and had always been willing to educate him. Kapil's mother requested Indradatt to educate Kapil and he willingly accepted Kapil as his student.
As a student Kapil had to get his food by going for alms. That, however, took too much time and that affected his studies. Later the school arranged with Manoramä, a Brahmin widow, to provide for Kapil's boarding and food. That arrangement gave Kapil enough time for his studies and he could make good progress. Unfortunately, however, Kapil chose another path.
KAPIL MUNI
Manorama was young and attractive. Over a period of time they fell in love with each other. Studies were almost forsaken as Kapil spent most of his time with her. As they badly needed money to eat and live Manoramä told him that the king of Shrävasti gave two grains of gold to the first person to bless him everyday. She therefore advised him to go to the palace early in the morning and bless the king. Kapil agreed to do so. Kapil could not sleep at night. He started dreaming of all the things he could do with two grains of gold! Deep in thought he lost track of time and started walking towards the palace. A guard saw him walking around at midnight and arrested him thinking he was a thief.
In the morning Kapil was presented to the royal court. The king noticed the fright written on his face and thought that he might not be a thief. He therefore asked Kapil to explain why he had to come to the palace at midnight. Kapil explained that he was very poor and hoped the gold would help to buy food. In order to get him out of his miserable condition the king offered to grant him whatever he desired. He was extremely glad and speechless upon hearing this.
The king asked him to sit in the adjoining garden and to think of what he desired.
Kapil went to the garden and began to think about what he should ask for so that he can live happily. Two grains of gold that he had been looking for was very insignificant. He thought that he should ask for enough so
THE FIRST STEP OF JAINISM
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