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[ Consecration of Megha-Kumara:
preaching of the sermons was over, people again bowed to him reverently, touched his feet and went home praising their own good luck.
Megha Kumara was the eldest son of King Shrenika. Althongh he had not opened his mouth to say anything before the Lord, still his heart was craving for something un. known. As soon as he reached his house, he expressed his feelings to his parents, and said, “ I am extremely tired of this worldly life. I. do not want to lead it any more. My intention is that I should go to the shelter of the Lord and try to attain the true knowledge of myself as soon as possible. I do not like to rule or to enjoy royal luxuries. This world seems to me to be as omenous and hideous as a funeral pyre. It would be better if you allow me to go to Lord Mahavira and accept consecration at his feet." The parents were greatly astonished as well as aggrieved to know the intention of their son. They were astonished to think that only one day's instruction of the Lord could penetrate so deep into the heart of their son, and aggrieved because they loved him too much. They then, tried their best to dissuade Megha-Kumara from his intention by various means. They told him what difficulties he had to face in future, if he accepted consecration in his young age. After that they placed quite vividly before him the difficulties attending the narrow paths of self-control, penance and the five great vows, which, as a Consecrated man, he was bound to practise in his life. But Megha-Kumara did not move a little from his intentions. When King Shrenika saw that his son would not be dissuaded from his resolve, he advised him to accept consecration after enjoying royal pleasures for a few days. At this the prince kept quiet
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