Jain Lesson I

Author(s): JAINA Education Committee
Publisher: Diwakar Prakashan

Page 60

Lesson 21 THE GENEROUS LAXMIBEN
This is a true story that happened about eight hundred years ago.
One day a sad and gloomy visitor was sitting outside the door of Jain Upashraya, in the city of Karnavati. He was poor and was looking for shelter. He was a follower of the Jain religion.
That day as usual, a Jain Shravika named Laxmiben came to the Upashraya. After finishing her rituals, while she was leaving the Upashraya, she saw the visitor. She affectionately asked him "I have never seen you here. Did you come from out of town?" The man replied, “Yes madam, I have come from Rajasthan."
She asked, “Are you alone?" "No, I have my children with me." "What brings you here?" “I am looking for work."
"Oh !!! "Laxmiben thought for a moment and then asked, "What| is your name?"
“Uda." "Where are you staying?” “I have not found a place to stay."
"Do not worry brother, come with me. My house is your house You can stay with me for a while. I will do my best to help you."
Uda with surprise kept listening to this generous and kind lady. He thought very highly of this place where people are generous even to strangers. Uda felt good and thought he was lucky.
He and his children came to Laxmiben's house. She gave them
54