Jain Journal 1967 10

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

Page 25

OCTOBER, 1967
When the king heard everything he was pleased to release him. Then he said, "I will give you whatever you want."
Kapila began to think of gold-necklace, anklets and brocade. But next he thought that it was not worthwhile to ask for such insignificant things from the king. If he wanted to live a happy and easy life, he should want more and still more, probably his whole kingdom.
The king assured him again that he would give whatever Kapila would ask for.
Kapila was on the point of asking the whole kingdom. But then he stopped short as light dawned in his mind. He saw that there was no end to asking. Even the whole kingdom might not be enough. And then he saw that at the root of all our miseries was this want. If one could conquer this he could live in peace eternal.
When Kapila was thus contemplating, the king again asked him what he wanted.
Now Kapila raised his eyes, looked at the king and said slowly, "I WANT NOTHING."
Kapila did not return home. He took the way that wended through the forest beyond the hills.
Kapila's tonsure