Jain Ramayana Part 2

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

Page 23

A Bridegroom Becomes a Mendicant
and then fall victims to miserable death.” The cataract of renunciation flowed freely from the lips of Vajrabahu. Bathed in the holy waters of his utterances, the twenty four 'princes became completely drenched in those sublime waters of renunciation. All were greatly astonished to hear the sweet and sublime melodies of renunciation in the atmosphere of attachments and affections.
“Though what you have said is absolutely true, it is not suitable to this time. So, please give up your insistence and listen to my words”.
"Udayasundar! You have forgotten your words”.
"You need not attach any importance to what I said lightheartedly and jocularly. Untimely utterances are not to be heeded. Therefore, it is good to forget those words”.
"Udayasundar! Please listen to me. Do not think only of the present. Think of the world and the other world a little. Your words served merely as an immediate cause. Actually, even from my boyhood I have been thinking of renunciation; and the roots of renunciation have gone deep into my heart. In fact, I do not have any attachment for worldly life. I am not at all fascinated by it. This is the real cause.... This is the deeper cause for my determination to renounce worldly life”.
Hearing the logical words of Vajrabahu, Udayasundar became silent. Just then, Swethakirthi, the prince of Indraprastha who was Vajrabahu's dearest friend, went forth a few steps; and tried his best to prevail upon him to give up his decision to become a Sadhu.
"Dear friend, Swethakirthi ! you too think well and realize which path I wish to pursue. Oh you mad fellow ! The path which I wish to pursue is supremely beneficial to all of you. You too can attain boundless spiritual felicity by pursuing that path. The Jivatma can never attain satisfaction by pursuing the path of worldly delights and sensual pleasures. Therefore, it is not proper that sensible people like you should insist upon