Jain Legend Vol 2

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

Page 96

Substantiating his views, Jamb Kum ra, with great skill, gave this sermon to Prabhava; listening to which Prabhava and his companions expressed their desire and asked permission to renounce as well. Taking Jamb Kum ra's consent, they left the house to seek the permission of their parents.
Discussion with the wives
Samudra r et al., his eight newly wedded wives tried their best to stop the detached Jamb Kum ra from the path of temperance and requested him to enjoy the riches and comforts inherited by him. They cited eight fables to support their standpoint. In reply Jamb Kum ra also narrated eight parables contradicting the poignant eight fables narrated by his eight wives. The discussions between Jamb Kum ra and his wives are very inspiring, interesting and informative. Besides they open the inner eye that has been enveloped by the ignorance and delusion. His newly wedded wives gave examples and put forth logical arguments trying to entice him towards the worldly pleasures.
Jamb Kum ra replied with interesting instances, illustrating the hollowness of life, transient nature of the pleasures and the dreadfulness of mundane existence. After listening to his gospel and inner beliefs, the eight wives not only gave up alluring him towards comforts, instead they, who were as delicate as flowers, came out of delusion and were prepared to take up the severe path themselves. They humbly bowed down to him and requested, “Sir! Due to your grace we have been blessed with true spiritual insight. Now we do not have the slightest attraction towards the comforts of life. The world started appearing like a huge furnace with blazing fumes. Following your footsteps, we want to annihilate all our karma and are anxious to obtain eternal bliss. We realise that the path you have selected to tread upon is the right path for us too. We, out of ignorance, tried to distract you of your path. Please forgive us and permit us to become ascetics along with you and make the worldly pursuit of marriage, meaningful.
After getting the consent of Jamb Kum ra, his eight wives sent a word to their parents that they will also take the oath of asceticism together with their husband at dawn.
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