Jain Legend Vol 2

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

Page 84

With his clairvoyant knowledge, monk S garadatta recollected and said, “ iva Kum ra! In your previous third birth, you were my younger brother Bhavadeva. You have forsaken your newly-wedded wife and renounced reluctantly, just to please me. You have followed the vows of
rama a and on completing your life, you have been fortunate to become a god in Saudharma heaven. Even there, we were very dear to each other. Due to the attachment in those two births, you still have the same affection towards me in your heart".
Prince iva Kum ra became ecstatic and bowed his head with respect and spoke in a sweet voice, "O Lord! Whatever you said is a fact. In this birth also I would like to renounce. I want to progress in the spiritual path by practising religious austerities and by serving you. Kindly wait here until I return taking the permission of my parents.”
Monk S garadatta said, “O blessed one! It is better not to delay a holy deed."
Immediately iva Kum ra went to the palace, and expressed his inner desire to his parents, “O my dear parents! Today I met a clairvoyant monk and I became aware about my previous births. I am totally vexed with this world. I would like to become a monk. Hence, permit me to renounce and help me progress in my spiritual attainment”.
King Padmartha and queen Vanam 1 were thunderstruck and dumbfound listening to the words of their son and requested him not to renounce.
Even after lot of persuasion and entreaties, iva Kum ra could not get the consent of his parents. Hence, he abdicated all sinful and worldly activities with aversion; he sat still like a monk in the palace itself. His parents, kinsmen and distinguished citizens tried to convince him by all means, but in vain. No one could break his firm resolution. King Padmartha was very sad. Finally, he requested a very discerning votary named D dhadharm and narrated the entire incident and said, “O reverend soul! Using your wit, some how or the other you must convince the prince to break the fast and gift us a new lease of life.
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