________________
said, 'I have now decided firmly to spend the rest of my life serving you. Finding you, he one who takes us across the world of transmigration, I do not wish to go anywhere now.'
Seeing the humility, personality and speaking style, when the c rya thought using his knowledge and became very happy in his heart. He found all the traits of being a great and influential preacher of Jainism in the newly arrived youth.
Addressing Siddha Kum ra in affectionate tone, c rya said, 'Son! Only those people can live with us who accepts dress like us. Without accepting the practice of rama a religion, no one can stay with us. It is very difficult for a selfish person like you to practice rama a religion.' Telling all this, the crya then told that the life of a monk is very difficult and like walking on the edge of a sword, it is difficult, not practical and intolerable.
Listening to the talks of crya, Siddha in a very self restrained, firm and humble tone requested, 'Are the pains resulting from the practice of
rama a religion severer, and more difficult than the definite and pitiable pains resulting from vices? Self restraint is in fact admired by the whole world. O Lord! It is my firm belief that pains of practicing monkhood are almost nonexistent compared to the pains resulting from vices. O Lord! I have firmly decided that I now wish to finish all of my pains forever. Hence please initiate this downtrodden into rama a monkhood and permit me to stay in your feet. Please make me feel blessed by putting your hand on my head.'
Listening to all this, the crya felt extremely pleased in his heart. He felt overjoyed to find an able disciple. He told Siddha, “Son! We do not accept anything which is not donated to us. To be initiated by us, you must obtain the permission from your parents and wife. Till then please have patience. Accepting the advice of c rya as worthy, Siddha stayed in the monastery.
On hearing the entire episode from his wife the next morning,
ubhamkara left his home in search of his son and arrived monastery. On seeing his son in a peaceful and contemplating posture, he asked him to return home. But Siddha Kum ra told him his firm decision to spend the rest of his life with ac. The father tried to convince the son
195
