Jain Ramayana Part 1

Author(s): Bhadraguptasuri
Publisher: Vishvakalyan Prakashan Trust Mehsana

Page 14

JAIN RAMAYAN
All of a sudden, he fell into a state of self-scrutiny; and began to contemplate on himself inwardly. He thought, "Oh! Just as the sky and the universe are immense and boundless; just as they do not have any limits or boundaries, the pilgrimage of my my wanderings through the Samsar has been endless; and it has been going on from times immemorial. I do not know when these aimless driftings may end; and when I may attain salvation".
....
The King was completely lost in these contemplations; and he ceased to have any interest in his wealth, worldly possessions, Kingdom and his throne of royal state. The fetters of infatuation, illusion and attachment in which he was bound broke off in a moment. The King who had been ensnared in attachments became totally detached in a moment. He renounced his limitless royal grandeur, his magnificent palace and his incomparable wealth and worldly possessions, and decided to spend the remainder of his life at the sacred feet of a noble spiritual head.
At once, he sent for his son, the heir-designate to the throne; and said in a calm and composed voice; "Dear son ! From to-day onwards, you will be the lord of the Kingdom, the throne and the wealth". King Meghavahan said in a composed and dignified manner.
The amazement of the prince, on hearing this, knew no bounds. The Prince, the Chief Minister, the Commander-inChief, the lords and the state officials were all amazed at this unexpected decision of the King; and were, at sea, unable to see what they should do at this juncture. The Prince said in a voice choked with emotion, "Honoured and beloved father! You?" "Yes! My dear son, I have decided to renounce my Kingdom and Kingship. My responsibility to administer and rule over the Kingdom ends to-day. The time has come when I should bestow my attention on my soul and should seek my spiritual welfare and progress. You need not at all be grieved by this decision of mine even to the least extent. I am perfectly happy and satisfied; and I am fully confident that you will