Jain Journal 1966 10

Author(s): Jain Bhawan Publication
Publisher: Jain Bhawan Publication

Page 34

74
JAIN JOURNAL
"You underestimate my ability, my mother", said Salibhadra.
"The way is that of renunciation." said Bhadra. "Thorns will prick in thy feet and your body will be bruised. Will you be able to bear that ?"
She wept bitterly. And then said, "Salibhadra, you want nothing. Wealth of the universe is at your feet. What more do you want?"
"I want your blessing only."
"Well" she said, "You cannot leave this world in a day. Try to remove it bit by bit."
She knew that in this way no one was able to leave the world, for inborn prejudices would stand in the way.
Subhadra, Salibhadra's sister was massaging the feet of her husband. Unknowingly, a drop of tear fell on his feet. Dhannya was startled. He said, "Subhadra, what has happened? Why are you weeping ?"
She dried off her tears by the corner of her skirt. And then said, "How shall I break the news? Salibhadra is renouncing everyday one of his wives for final renunciation."
On hearing this Dhannya began to laugh. He said, "What do you say? I have never heard like this. When conscience is aroused, when mind is full of renunciation, one renounces the world in a moment."
Subahdra was hurt. She thought that Dhannya was belittling Salibhadra. So she said, "It is easy to speak but......can you do it? In a moment ?"
"Yes, I can." So saying he renounced the world in a moment. His wealth and his property, his fame and his riches, even the beauty of Subhadra nothing was able to detract him. Subhadra with a remorseful heart was left behind like a broken bow of figs in a storm. Entreaties, begging forgiveness and even tears were not able to move him from his path.
When this news reached Salibhadra, he too renounced the world that very moment.