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I am the Soul
165 next to non-existent. In spite of being in the worldly life he was untouched by it.
Bhagwan Rishabhdev, Emperor Bharat's father had become a monk and was wandering in an effort to attain the KaivalyaLakshmi (omniscience). It was an year since and Bharat Chakravartin was seated in his palace when the Minister came in with the good news, “O Emperor! The Chakraratna has appeared in our armoury”. The Emperor was filled with joy with the knowledge that he would soon rule the world and that divine weapons would assist his victories. It is said that Gods assist an Emperor in various ways. Presenting the Chakraratna, a very strong weapon, is one of those. Whoever possesses it can never be defeated. Bharat got the tidings. As a rule, soon as the Gods gift this weapon, an elaborate Puja has to be performed.
Before Bharat could think about this, a page-boy from his private quarters came to break the good news, “O Emperor! You have been blessed with a boy-child”. Bharat was delighted. At a King's place, the birth of a boy-baby is an occasion of great revelry. In the worldly life there is no joy greater than the birth of a son. Even a commoner celebrates the birth of a son in a big way, so a King, of course should be doing it with great paraphernalia. Before he could order the page-boy...
... Citizens came in saying, “Greetings, O King! The first Tirthankar Shri Rishabhdev has attained Kevaljnana!". Bharat stood up in excitement and joy. He was overjoyed. The aura of the Tirthankar's kevaljnana had appeared in Bharat Kshetra! As he was about to leave, the Minister said, “O King! First propitiate the Chakra Ratna. It is your most important task. The Chakra will not remain without a puja. Every other thing must wait - first the Puja”.
Bharat wondered, “Where do I go now? What do I do now? To the puja first, or to celebrate the child-birth or to the Lord's Kevaljnana Celebrations?” As Bharat wondered, the Chief
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