________________
1522 ]
[ A brief life-sketch of Jambu-Svamia
some wealth, he would not have separated himself from the world. When he has become moneyless, he has thought it better to adopt this mode of living. Therefore, before the thieves leave the house of Jambu-kumara, such plan should be thought out by which the wealth may be saved and the thieves might be instructed into self-restraint, at the same time." With this thought in his mind, Indra stuck the feet of all, except those of Prabhava at the places where they were standing. When Prabhava ordered them to make haste and to leave the house before day-break, his companions found their feet stuck to the ground and complained of this fact to Prabhava. Prabhava was startled to see this; he looked this way and that but found none there. At last, he heard some faint murmurings of human voice coming from the upper story. He followed those whisperings and reached the bed-chamber of Jambu-kumara. He stood silently in one corner of the bed-chamber and tried to know what Jambu-kumara was saying to his newly-wedded brides. Arguments after arguments were being offered from both the sides. Jambu was trying to plead for the unsubstantiality of this world and for the necessity of self-restraint while the ladies were trying to have their own way. But the arrogance of winning their husband over was now vanishing from their faces. Although they were trying their best to persuade their husband by showing various kinds of bodily gestures to him, still they were feeling at heart the influe. nce of self--restraint and sometimes came very near it. This feeling itself from their faces could be seen quite clearly. After gazing for some time, Prabhava said to himself. "The very hoard of wealth which we have come to steal most
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org