Jain Journal 1973 04

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

Page 46

APRIL, 1973
Says Acarya, "One who despises his own, and covets the joys of others "Starts suffering in this very life, agonies due to the next birth." 95 Hearing his words, (the king) held 'em his filial affection up Quoth he, to please his son, "A trifle ye ask for, it's yours." 96 Then calling Visvanandi, said he, "Ye hold charge of kingdom "For some time, go I to chastise the rival kings, 97
"To restore peace disturbed by them, till I return."
On hearing which the crown-prince said as follows unto him: 98 "Revered Sir! Thou stay at ease, go I to chastise
"To take captive these rival kings and make 'em slaves unto thee." 99 (Says Acarya), "The kingdom was really his, what a plot to deprive, "Fie on the king who for a garden cherished in mind an evil design !" 100
205
Thus permitted, as Visvanandi, shining with power great, Moved out at the head of his men to conquer the foe; 101 Visakhabhuti, of lowly wit, transgressing custom, and out of love Gave the garden to Visakhananda, who cherished illegal possession. 102 Visvanandi heard this on the way and was afire with rage "See", said he, "What a mean plot to send me afar against a foe, 103 "To deprive me of my garden for his progeny, which "He could merely ask for, a trifle, and would I not give ? 104 "A vile plot forces my hand to transgress all courtesy,"
So saying, to chastise the usurper, turned he his steps. 105 Afraid of him, Visakhananda fled to take shelter on a Kapittha tree With a stair-case, but the prince followed him thither. 106 With tree pulled out, he turned to kill, when he fled,
And to protect self, disappeared behind a pillar made of stone. 107 But the pillar he pulled down with a swift slap of his palm, And the evil-doer fled even from there, when shouted the prince 108 Out of pity and affection, said he, "Fear not! I spare thee." And he gave him the garden and realised the misery of worldly life. 109 And having thus realised, came he to Sambhuta to court him as Guru. Harm done by the lowly often turns into a benefit to a noble soul. 110
Even Visakhabhuti, not devoid of remorse, realised he, "A wrong have I done," and to atone, courted he a life of restraint. 111 Performing severe penances, Visvanandi passed through many a land With a very lean frame, arrived he at last to the city of Mathura. 112 Entered he the city to beg, in poor frame, his legs shaking. Just then, due to bad habits, having lost his kingdom great, 113 Visakhananda too had come to Mathura as envoy of some other king, And there in the city, seated was he atop a harlot's home. 114 A cow that had just calved, was infuriated, and knocked Visvanandi down. As he saw him dropping, Visakhananda shouted in rage, 115