Jain Legend Vol 3

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

Page 194

That night Lak m was waiting for the return of her son. In the fourth quarter of the night when Siddha returned home and requested the door to be opened for his entry; Lak m in a terse voice said, 'Is this the time for the return to home? The doors of civilised people are not kept open for all night.'
In a tone accepting his guilt Siddha asked, “Mother, then where else should I go now?'
Thinking that if she does not open the doors tonight, her son will become all right, she said, “Go to the place which keeps its doors open all night.'
Taking this as an order from his mother and without uttering any word, he turned away from the door of his house and went towards the centre of rm la city looking for homes on both sides of the street. He saw all the homes had their doors shut and none was open at that time. Looking for a house with open doors, he walked from lanes to by-lanes. Finally Siddha's eyes found a house whose doors were open completely. Siddha entered that home. It was a Jain Upashraya. He saw a Jain c rya with his disciples there. All the monks were awake and busy in their spiritual contemplations.
Sheer sight of those contemplating and peaceful monks filled Siddha Kum ra's heart with indescribable peace. He experienced the difference in his life and those of the monks. He cursed himself and felt that he is occupied by vices and hence earning ill repute in this life and unbearable pains in the future life. It is a result of great meritorious karmas of past life that I had the privilege of having a sight of these monks who are busy in self and others' purification and beneficiation.
Thinking so, Siddha Kum ra went towards the c rya sitting on his seat and paid obeisance with firm belief by bowing at his feet.
In a posture of blessing, c rya lifted his hand and asked, 'Son! Where do you live and what brings you here?'
In response Siddha Kum ra told the c rya, everything as it is from the beginning and expressed his deep satisfaction by meeting him. He further
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