________________
158
JAIN RAMAYAN
adopting an attitude of absolute amity and affection, he gave Sahasrakiran a place worthy of his heroism and abilities.
Once, while Ravan was holding his court, and was absorbed in attending to administrative affairs, all of sudden, a great sage who was travelling through the sky entered his court.
With overflowing enthusiasm and joy, he rose from his throne and stood up to honour the sage. At once, he discarded his sandals studded with gems; bowed his head and went forward to receive the sage. Saluting him with devotion, he reverently touched his feet. He felt greatly delighted by the arrival of the sage. He was overwhelmed with joyful emotions when he found that he was actually a Ganadhar Bhagwan.
Showing a Kashtasan, a wooden seat to the Ganadhar; making him sit on it, he sat by him on the ground.
A Mahamuni is the very image of benevolence and wishes for the welfare of all beings in the universe. His serene face was resplendent with the feelings of benevolence and compassion; and he was totally detached from all worldly prosperity, progress and pleasures. He had no attachment at all for them. His face was radiant with the light of true knowledge. He was the very embodiment of self-discipline and spiritual excellence; and he wished for the happiness and welfare of all.
Uttering the expression, "Dharmalabh" (may you attain spiritual prosperity) he bestowed his blessings upon Ravan.
The holy expression, Dharmalabh is the mother of spiritual prosperity and the spring of supreme felicity. He, who attains this blessing of Dharmalabh, attains the inexhaustible treasurehouse of spiritual elevation. He who has with him this wealth of Dharmalabh easily crosses the ocean of Samsar. All his agitations, worries, calamities and adversities disappear in a moment. He who attains this blessing, naturally becomes the lord of all prosperity and felicity..
Ravan was silent for a while; and then, with devotion and politeness, he said, "Oh Lord! I feel supremely happy to see
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org