________________
Dasarath's Renunciation
337
were Nandivardhan, your father was Nand
your father was Nandhighosh. He went to the heavenly world called Graiveyak. After his life ended there, he was born as a human being and I am he.”
Dasarath's joy knew no bounds. He felt that his father in a poorvajanma had come now to inspire him to proceed on the path of moksha. Overwhelmed with joy, he saluted the feet of Satyabhuti.
"Oh thou saviour! I can never repay the debt of gratitude that I owe you. You have liberated me from my bondage with life by describing my earlier lives. I am now totally averse to all the pleasures and joys of life. Oh lord ! Kindly enable your son to pursue the path of spiritual elevation and guide him on that path."
"Oh King! Why then delay ? Sooner the better! Get ready."
"Gurudev ! I will surrender myself at your feet soon." Dasarath said in a humble voice.
After he heard the story of his earlier janmas Dasarath broke off all his attachments for this life. Of course, the attachments of his earlier lives had fascinated him; because the forms in which those attachments had appeared were fascinating to him. Satyabhuti possessed the four kinds of knowledge and was resplendent with spiritual excellence and attainments.
King Dasarath immersed in thought returned to his palace. In the evening, he invited to his council-chamber all the members of his family, the ministers and the high officials of his kingdom. The queens, his sons, his daughters-in-law, his ministers and all leading citizens of the city gathered th in their seats. Of course, they knew why the king had invited them. The king's spirit of detachment and renunciation had become a subject of discussion not only among the members of the royal family but also among the citizens of the city. They knew that Dasarath was indeed a Yogi in the guise of a King.
There was silence in the chamber. The king looked at everyone with fixed eyes as if trying to give importance to
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
