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154
JAIN RAMAYAN
and the queen joined the jubilations of the festival forgetting themselves. Their games and sports which inspired sensual passions were seen by muni Paschim and then something that should not have happened, happened. Muni Paschim began to watch the games and sports with fascination. He thought, "I wish that I too participated in those delightful games and sports and enjoyed myself.” Within a few moments, Muni Paschim's mind was caught in the snares of sensuality.
The mind of Paschim began ranging unimpeded. “This kind of delight can never be attained in the life of a Sadhu. I have deceived myself in taking to the path of Samyam (self-restraint). But if I give up the path of Sadhudharma and become a householder, even then I may not enjoy such royal splendour. How can I secure such a beautiful wife as that queen ? Yes! From my study of the shastras, I have understood also the secret that by means of the efficacy of spiritual austerities, I can fulfil my
ires in my next life, but this requires a strong determination I will have to sacrifice my spiritual excellence in exchange for sensual pleasures but I will have to make that sacrifice if my desire should be fulfilled. There is no other way. I will make the sacrifice. Staking all my spiritual excellence. I hereby desire that after my death I should be born as the son of this royal couple. Thus I can enjoy boundless sensual pleasures in my next life. My dry and thirsty life will attain satisfaction and enjoyment thus.”
One day, Paschim Muni revealed to Pratham Muni his plan.
A strong desire can never remain concealed.
Hearing the words of Paschim Muni Pratham Muni was stupefied. He felt deeply shocked at what he heard. Greatly amazed and shocked, he said, "O Muni! Do you realise what you are saying? How can a muni say such things? Do you desire to sacrifice all your spiritual excellence for the sake of the pleasures of worldly life? Do you want to use your spiritual excellence by means of which you can destroy Karmas to get worldly enjoyments? Dear brother! How could such an ignoble desire arise in your heart? The enlightened people say
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