Jain Legend Vol 2

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

Page 269

elder monk during his last days. He stayed in Ujjaini with Sthavira Bhadragupta and offered his services with great devotion.
After Sthavira Bhadragupta left for heavenly abode while in meditation,
rya Rak ita left Ujjain to be present in the services of rya Vajra. On reaching there, rya Rak ita offered his humble salutations to rya Vajra. When the latter asked him, rya Rak ita informed that he came from rya To aliputra.
After that, c rya Vajra started teaching the P rvas to rya Rak ita. The extremely brilliant rya Rak ita pursued the studies with great devotion and zeal and within a short period, he completed the instruction on nine Prvas and started studying the tenth P rva.
The parents of rya Rak ita were worried and not able to take up his absence any more. They sent their younger son Phalgu Rak ita to bring
rya Rak ita back.
Falgu Rak ita approached rya Rak ita and said, “Our mother remembers you day and night. If you visit Da apura once, our parents and all our kinsmen would take renunciation."
rya Rak ita was totally intoxicated in spiritual knowledge. He understood, "All the relationships in the world are transient. Body, wealth, kinsmen etc., none of them are mine. I am pure consciousness, separate from this body. Knowledge is my nature and discernment is my only friend.” He replied to Falgu Rak ita, “O Dear One! If our parents and kinsmen are prepared to take renunciation on my visit, then why don't you take initiation first?"
Phalgu Rak ita took initiation immediately and strictly followed the ascetic discipline. He always used to remind rya Rak ita that he should visit Da apur.
One day rya Rak ita asked c rya Vajra, “Lord! How much of the tenth P rva is yet to be mastered?"
c rya Vajra said, “Son! As of now, whatever you have learnt is equivalent to a drop. An ocean remains.”
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