Jain Journal 1981 07

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

Page 23

JULY, 1981
Kesava of the merchant Isvaradatta. They all grew up together. Jivananda learnt eight-branched Ayurveda followed by his father and became foremost among the physicians.
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One day, when these friends were at the house of Jivananda, a Muni namely Gunakara came to beg for alms. Emaciated by penance, he was afflicated by worms leporasy. But he never asked for a treatment. As he was wandering at random from house to house to break his three day's fast, they observed him in the court-yard. After seeing him prince Mahidhara taunted Jivananda saying that he was experienced in treatment, but like a courtesan, he never glanced even at a friend, even asked, unless he was paid. Nevertheless, the descerning must not be greedy for money solely. In some cases, cure must be made for the sake of religion. He put to shame all his efforts in treatment since he was indifferent to such a worthy person who was ill. Jivananda replied that he was eager to cure the Muni, but the lack of remedies was hindering him. He had the oil with a lac ingredients, but he had not gosirşa-sandal and jeweled blanket. He ordered them to bring these articles. His five friends went at once to the market and the Muni went to his own abode. Then they told an old merchant to take the price and give the gostrșa-sandal and jeweled blanket. The merchant told that the price was a lac of dinars for each of them, and he wanted to know what they intended to with those objects. They gave the price and replied that their purpose was to cure a Muni with them. Hearing this the merchant was astonished and reflected thus in his mind: "On the one hand their youth is intoxicated with wildness, joy and love, on the other hand their minds are the abode of discernment, suitable for mature age. Such a thing is suitable for people like me whose bodies are decrepit from old age. For them to do it is like untamed animals carrying a load." With these reflections he delivered them the two articles without taking price.
They, accompanied by Jivananda, went to the Muni, standing in kāyotsarga, with all the remedies and said, "We are going to make an obstacle to your dharma to-day by giving a treatment. Blessed One permit it and favour us." Thus, informing the Muni they brought a cow recently dead and started applying the remedies. They anointed with the oil every limb of the Muni. Confused by the oil, the worms came out of his body. Then Jivananda covered him entirely with the jeweled blanket. The worms clung to the jeweled blanket due to its coolness. Slowly shaking the blanket over the cow's body, the physician made the worms fall. He soothed the Muni with gośirşa-sandal. As only the worms which were in the skin came out from this, Jivananda applied the same procedure twice. Due to that the worms of flesh and bones also came out.