Jain Legend Vol 4

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

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i.e. the self-restraint of the ascetics gets tarnished by sitting on a throne. Moreover sitting on the throne is considered as a symbol of sumptuousness which is totally forbidden for the ascetics. O Jewel of the kings! An ascetic becomes a laughing stock if he chooses to sit on a throne, as the foremost quality of an ascetic is renunciation. Per se, a throne symbolises luxury and comfort. Besides, the moment an ascetic sits on the throne, typical laxities creep into him. Keeping all these shortcomings in mind, sitting on a throne is totally prohibited for an ascetic.”
Durlabhar ja then inquired Jine vara, “What kind of places do you dwell in?”
Jine vara replied, “O King! Where can we get a place to stay when our opponents are very powerful?”
Durlabhar ja said to Jine varaga i while simultaneously beckoning his officers, “You may stay in the mansion in Karad ha . It belongs to a merchant who died childless." Arrangements were immediately made for Vasatiy s ascetics to stay in that house.
The king once again questioned Jine vara S ri “Where do you eat? And what type of food do you generally have?”
Jine vara S ri replied, “O King! Just like finding a place to stay is not easy; similarly procuring food is also difficult for us”.
Durlabhar ja: “How many ascetics are you?”
Jine vara S ri: “O King! We are 18 ascetics."
Durlabhar ja: “Will you be contented with Hastipi da (quantity of food equal to that which is sufficient to assuage the hunger of an elephant)?
Jine varaga i: “O King! It is clearly mentioned in the scriptures that it is prohibited for ascetics to accept food from the kings.”
Durlabhar ja: “In that case, one of my attendants will accompany you when you seek alms, so that procuring alms will be easy for you."
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