Jain Ramayana Part 2

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

Page 22

JAIN RAMAYAN
"Whatever I said, I said only with the purpose of making a joke".
"You might have made a joke : but your words gave me the inspiration necessary for pursuing the path of Sadhudharma".
"I did not say anything to give inspiration to you. Therefore, the question of your receiving initiation into the Sadhudharma does not arise". Udayasundar's face became pale with gloom, boundless sorrow and agitation.
"Ah! How is this possible? If a Jiva does not think of pursuing the Sadhu Dharma in the human state of existence, in which other state can he think of it ?”
“Dear Prince! You are yet a youth. This is not the time for renunciation and self-sacrifice. Youth is a time when one should enjoy oneself and spend time in amusement and sensual delights. When you reach the age which is proper for tion, then, you can surely think of it. But this is not the time for it. It is not yet necessary”.
"Udayasundar! Do not put forth false arguments. Youth is the best time at which one can receive initiation in Sadhudharma. No other phase of life is so suitable to it as youth. Moreover, do not forget the truth that there is no other phase of life which is better than youth for pursuing the Sadhudharma. Therefore, cutting off the cover of Moha, please try to fling fuel into the sacrificial fire of my spiritual elevation”.
"Dear Prince! We have been entertaining many radiant hopes regarding you; and the people of Ayodhya also have many hopes and aspirations regarding you”.
"Oh Prince ! Are there any hopes or aspirations of the Samsar that have been fulfilled ? Has anyone succeeded in fulfilling his worldly desires and aspirations? Which worldly objectives have been attained ? Like the deer that run madly towards mirages in a desert; wander endlessly and die; the in this world run madly after worldly delights, hopes, aspirations and ambitions; first lose their wealth of Punya (merit)