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Bhagawan Mahavir ]
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too. Later on, the king Hermit adopted the requisite means for crossing the ocean of life and tried to improve his life in every way.
SHALI-BHADRA'S EXTRA-ORDINARY RENUNCIATION AND ACCEPTANCE
OF CONSECRATION. One day a millionaire, named Shali-Bhadra who lived in Raja-Griha and who possessed crores of gold coins, approached the Lord and requested him for consecration. The Lord said, "Any attachment for external things is the greatest obstcle in the way to self-realization. Therefore, one who wants to enjoy spiritual happiness should disconnect himself with external objects". Shali Bhadra understood the meaning of these words. He renounced all his wealth in a minute and became as indifferent to it as the walking man who is indifferent to his own foot-prints. The reader can form an idea of the greatness of this sacrifice by comparing it with the greediness of the close-fisted people of today, who can not part even with one pice from their pocket. Although, as a consequence of renunciation, he had to face many difficulties, still he bore them all patiently and courageously like a brave man. He was so indifferent in his worldly life that when emperor Shrenika came to see him at his place one day, he did not like even to talk to him. Such a rich man spurned the world like a straw and left all his possessions immediately. Shali-Bhadra's mind was a copitalist's mind. He was a merchant and therefore was wellversed in the art of trade. He know quite well tnat it was folly to hope for a high profit without first laying out sufficient capital in a
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