Jain Journal 1982 10

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

Page 16

Udayi
GANESH LALWANI
Udayi was the sole king over sixteen countries. His rule was just and honest. There was no scope of any deviation. So with their undiminished prosperity the people were also happy.
At one time a sense of detachment that awoke him to a new realisation carried away all his ties of love and desire. He understood, in this world whom we called 'ours' were not really bondage in themselves, bondage was the consciousness for the self in terms of its desire.
Hence, he who had no attachment for 'me' or 'mine', for him there was no involvement with illusion in this world. He becomes free. And when one is free to him both gold and clay appear to be the same.
When Udayi reached this stage he handed over his kingdom to a distant relative of his and took the path of renunciation.
Then after traversing a long way he reached where Lord Mahavira was staying with his disciples. He received the protection and was blest by the Lord.
After a long time he bowed to the Lord and said, 'Bhante, I had a desire to visit that kingdom which was once mine. As everybody both rich and poor knew me and I also knew them, it will be easy for me to propagate the tenets of your religion amongst them. They will be benefitted by the tenets.'
Replied the Lord, 'Well, as you think best.'
When the new king heard that Udayi was coming his heart overflowed with joy. He asked his men to be careful so that he might not feel any difficulty any where. And why he would not do that? That he was the king—it was due to his mercy. If he had thought otherwise he could have given the kingdom to some other person. So when he had become so rich and powerful due to him it became his duty to arrange for his comfort and well-being.
Getting approval of the new king Udayi's friends, relations, former ministers and officers began to prepare for his grand reception. Even the ordinary citizens became eager to have a look of the saint-king.