Jain Journal 1970 04

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

Page 37

APRIL, 1970
231
Due to disappearance of kalpa-výkşas, men used to live on leaves and vegetables, but they could not digest them. At this time fire broke out by means of constant striking of trees against one another on account of heavy storm. The people were astonished at this new phenomenon and were advised by Risabha to keep the fire burning by adding fuel to it. He then taught them the preparation of earthen wares and advised them to take cooked food only. The people were cured of indigestion by following his advice. But they felt the necessity of protecting the earhen wares from being broken by wild animals. Risabha taught them the art of building huts and art of painting for adorning the rooms. He then taught them the art of weaving cloth.
During his reign he caused several palaces to be built and big markets opened. He had the town encircled by big walls. The people were taught to tend cattle. They began to cultivate land with the help of cattle. Land yielded abundant crops and the people started business on an exchange basis. To teach people the practice of piety he gave gold coins in charity for a year, gave separate kingdoms to his sons.
Risabha ruled his kingdom with equity and wisdom and at last gave up his sovereignty in favour of his eldest son Bharata. He went to Purimatala (modern Prayaga) and initiated himself as a wandering ascetic. Emaciated by his austerities he was reduced to a collection of skin and fibres. In course of his wanderings he came to the house of Sreyamsa Kumara and drank sugar-cane juice offered by him. He travelled far and wide and at last acquired kevala-knowledge.
Story of Kalaka
There was a town in Bharatavarsa, named Dharavasa. The king of that town was Vajrasimha and his chief queen was Surasundari. They had a son expert in every science, named Kalakakumara. One day he was returning from a drive, and saw Gunakara, a Jaina priest, preaching in the mango park. He approached the monk, bowed, and listened ; and was converted and joined the order. When he had completed his
eligious studies, his teacher established him as head of the order in his stead. With five hundred monks he proceeded to Ujjayini, and there remained for some days, preaching. Meanwhile there also arrived a party of pious nuns, amongst whom was beautiful and devout Sarasvati. Kalakacarya's younger sister.
Gardhabhilla, king of Ujjayini, passed that way, and seeing Sarasvati, desired her, and carried her off against her will. Kalakacarya