Jain Legend Vol 2

Author(s): Hastimal Maharaj, Shuganchand Jain, P S Surana
Publisher: Hastimal Maharaj Shugan C Jain P S Surana

Page 252

declared that the child be handed over to the one to whom it goes freely and willingly.
The first opportunity was given to the mother. To attract the child towards her instantly, she brought many beautiful and eye-catching toys, delicacies that are loved by children; showing them all, she approached the child with great love. Addressing him sweetly, calling him, clapping her hands gently, she stretched out her hands for the child to come. She tried in many ways, but to no avail. Like an enlightened yogi he was not at all lured by those temptations. He did not budge even a little from his place.
Afterwards, the king gave the chance to the father, Dhanagiri. rya Dhanagiri showed his whiskbroom to Vajra and said, "Son, if you are willing to become a monk and a knower of Truth, and then take this whiskbroom to dust out the karma".
rya Dhanagiri did not even complete his sentence that Vajra at once jumped out from his place and sat on his lap. He then took whiskbroom from his hand and waved it like a whisk. The entire court fell silent for a moment. Then the Royal Court was filled with the echoes of the victory of Dharma.
'Boy Vajra will stay with the congregation', passing this ruling, the king showed his reverence to the congregation and to the monkls. Everyone returned to their respective houses.
Sunand contemplated, "My brother rya Samita got initiated, my husband also got initiated, and my son is almost initiated. In such a situation, I too should renounce the world and take initiation." After considerable deliberations, she firmly resolved to lead an ascetic life. She approached the Female monks who ordained her into the Jain order. Vajra was three years old then.
As soon as Vajra became eight years old, rya Simhagiri took him out from the care of the Female monks, initiated him into the rama a order and kept Vajra with him. By then Vajra almost knew by heart all the 11 Amgas, as he had been listening to them constantly from the Female monks.
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