Jain Journal 1985 04

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

Page 27

Threads of Affection
UPADHYAYA AMAR MUNI
Ardrakakumar was the prince of an island named Ardraka. His father was a close friend of Srenika, the king of Magadha. From time to time, the king of Magadha used to send many a beautiful and precious presents to his friend with the merchants who used to visit the Ardraka island for purposes of trade and commerce. The father of Ardraka too, used to send novelties produced in his island to his friend, the king of Magadha, in India.
On one such occasion, king Srenika sent some rare and costly items to his friend in Ardraka island. Prince Ardraka was very much pleased. When he heard of Abhayakumar, son of king Srenika, who was also the prime minister of the country, he wanted to make friendship with him. With this end in view Ardraka sent some very beautiful presents to Abhayakumar through his trusted messenger together with a letter written by his own hand.
On reading the emotional letter of Ardraka, the heart of Abhayakumar became full. A great ocean of love surged within him for his friend whom he was yet to see. But the great responsibility of being the prime minister of Magadha, the knotty problems of politics, the non-ending sequence of war and peace-how all these stood in the way of his visiting the island of Ardraka and meeting his friend ! But he thought of a plan to send some special gift to his distant friend.
Abhayakumar thought, “Gold and precious stones are in abundance even in that island. So let me send something which is not available there and on receiving which, not only his affection but also his soul will be enkindled. A real friend is one who enlightens the life of his friend. Give and take of worldly things is only the outer aspect of friendship. But my friendship should not only be an outward feeling but should touch the heart. So thinking, in a golden casket, he placed a special symbol of religious import which would effectively bring about a feeling of detachment. This he sent with a special messenger to Ardrakakumar, requesting him to open it when he is alone.
The messenger reached the island of Ardraka. On meeting Ardrakakumar, the messenger presented him the golden casket and the personal letter of Abhayakumar. Ardraka was very much happy to receive the