________________
Bhagawan Mahavir ]
5:19
in no time. Now teacher was very much surprised to think how it was possible for a boy, so young in age, to solve such difficult questions. He began to admire the intelligence of the prince. For the fifth time, he asked him to solve some questions of the highest class of his school, and the prince did them laughingly in no time. The wonder of the teacher increased still more. He began to regard him as a genius. He felt that the presence of such a brileiant, gay and intelligent student in his school was really an honour to him and a credit to his school. But he was in a great fix as to what he should teach to him, for he seemed to know everything that was taught in his school. However, he put some very intricate questions to Mahavira, which he himself could not solve, but to his utter surprise, the prince again solved them in his sportive and easy manner. Now the teacher realised for the first time that his disciple was not an ordinary boy, but a great soul under the disguise of a boy. He plunged himself into a deep contemplation, and began to think all sorts of things. At one time he would ask himself, "Why has the king sent this boy to me? Surely, not to read, but to test my knowledge." At another time, he would have fears of being disinissed from the school. Sometimes he would think, “Let some days pass in this manner. After that, I would take this boy to the king. I would ask the king or a learned man of his court to examine the boy. I believe the prince would come off with flying colours at that examination also. This would surely bring me fame. Wealth will pour down at my feet. I would return home carrying bushels of money with me. My name will be celebrated throughout the kingdom. I shall have an easy access to the king's palace. I shall have no wants then and my life will be prosperous and happy in
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org