Jain Journal 1973 04

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

Page 42

APRIL, 1973
201
In east Videha, in Jambudvipa, which is in the centre of isles, It is on the north bank of a river named Sita, 14 In the city Pundarikini, in a country Puskalavati by name, In a forest named Madhu, there dwelt a Bhila king 15 Pururava, whose very dear wife was KalikaThe two, it seemed, the Creator had made for each other. 16 It so happened, one day, a monk Sagarasena by name, Lost his way in the forest, wandering to and fro, 17 Mistaking whom for an animal, the Bhila was about to slay, When prevented was he by his wife,-“Kill not, forest deity is he.” 18 Being happy, Pururava came to the monk at once and bowed ; He became calm and tranquil at his inspiring words, 19 Like one thirsty, on attaining a pool of cool water, Or one afflicted by mundane life, hearing words of the Jina, 20 Or like a student of scriptures, on reaching a hermitage, And from the monk courted he three vows renouncing honey, etc. 21 These he practised with the greatest care till the end of his life, And became a god in Saudharma, with a divine life of a sāgara. 22
In this isle, in Bharata, there was a famous country named Kosala In the heart of the Aryan land, ever in a prosperous state, 23 Unprotected was the city, as obstruction was none, But not without police ; no donor, for contented were all. 24 Hardness was in woman's breast, it was not in human heart "Give me" --said none to beg, "Protect me”-said none out of fear. 25 Stain and slendourness of the moon featured in the princes alone ; None else, but a monk went through a state of foodlessness. 26 None was (op)pressed but sesamum, pulse and sugar-cane ; Tops were cut only of paddy plant, and none other. 27 Bondage and liberation were topics for Agamas, not for culprits, Restraint of senses characterised those that were passion-free. 28 Frigidity was in water, sharpness in needle, curves in posture alone ; None of these characterised man in his intellect, tongue and behaviour. 29 Cówherds there were not dull, nor women and children were cowards, Nor were the dwarfs cunning, nor the low castes ill-behaved, 30 No land was there without sugar-cane, no hill without sandal trees, No lake was there without lotus, no forest without fruits sweet. 31
In its heart was the city, Vinita by name, pleasant to the heart, Like a meek and submissive woman, ever giving delight. 32 Built was it first by Indra, to demonstrate his expertise, Or to convey his devotion to the Tirthankara. 33