Essence of Jainism Part 01

Author(s): Kushalchandravijay
Publisher: 108 jain Tirth Darshan Trust

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undertake any vow. He said, "I shall not tell a lie any times excepting the dark and bright halves of the month. I shall neither put the whole cocconut into my mouth nor shall I eat cow dung."
The Guru Maharaj was embrassed at the boy's ridiculous behaviour. Hence, to make amends, the boy vowed not to take food without looking at the bald head of Simelo, a porter of the town. Guruji was now pleased with Kamalsen for undertaking a vow, though it was a very strange one.
One morning Simelo went to the forest to dig earth. Kamalsen was about to eat his lunch when his mother reminded him if he had seen the porter's bald head. On realising that he had not seen the porter who had already left for the forest, Kamalsen immediatly ran to the forest to fulfil the vow. Kamalsen saw the porter digging the earth. While digging the porter had happened to come across a jar full of gems and precious stones. He, therefore, had begun to hide it under the heap of the earth when Kamalsen shouted out "Yes I have seen it". Then the porter replied, "Sir, Don't tell any one,” let us share it fifty fifty. Come along. Kamalsen was given half the share with which he returned home. . Kamalsen now began to think : " A vow taken out of joke brought me this wealth. Had I taken the vow in earnest, I would have benefitted much more. This incident changed Kamalsen's life. He observed many vows and lived happily. Thereafter-Well, even a small and strange vow brings untold happiness.
(Adopted from 'Priyankar Nrip Katha') Nine Vows (The First Part) - ONLY FOR BEGINNERS :
(1) Before getting up from bed every morning, we should recite the Navkar Mantra three times for acquiring faith (Darshan), Knowledge(Gnan) and Right conduct(Charitra). This ensures hapiness throughout the day. (Please read Book No. 2 in the series for the importance of Navkar Mantra).
(2) We should take breakfast in the morning only after bowing to the Idol of God or its picture and after reciting the Navkar Mantra, as it is the destroyer of all evils and a dispenser of peace and happiness.
(3) We should pay respect to our parents and eldere for they are our true well-wishers. They should always be honured, respected and obeyed.
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