________________
502 ]
[ Shankhaji and Pokhaliji
come, and requested him to follow him soon. Shankhaji shook his head; but when Pokhaliji insisted he said, “ Pokhaliji to-day I am under the vow of Paushadha. You know that nothing is eaten in this vow. I shall, therefore, not eat anything to-day. I hope you will excuse me.”
To hear this answer of Shankhaji Pokhali was a little irritated. He said, " When you favoured that form of meditation in which four kinds of foods are forbidden, why did then you ask us for making this arrangement of food ? Why did you take such a decision yesterday ? You are bargaining with a higher Paushadha while you have left us to accept a lower kind o it," When Pokhaliji found that Shankhaji did not care for what he said, he returned to the kitchen where other Shravakas were waiting for him. He told them all about Shankhaji and then all took their meals together. After that they applied themselves to practising religious duties.
Next day all the Shravakas including Shankhaji also thought of paying respects to the Lord that very day. Shankhaji therefore got up early in the morning and after wearing his clothes went to the Lord. He bowed to Lord Mahavira, sat by him and listened to his instructions attentively. When the teaching of the Lord was finished, Pokhaliji with the intention of taking vengeance upon Shankhaji for his behaviour of yesterday, pointed with the finger towards Shankhaji and said, “ Look here. Here Bits the most honest religious man. He behaved with me extremely well yesterday. He is Shankhaji, after all; and does not require any more explanation.” Shankhaji then said very politely.“ Brother Pokhaliji, You are a very good
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
