________________
158
JAIN RAMAYAN
heaven, in the midst of sensual delights with absolute detachment and awareness, untouched by their influence.
That is why the heavenly being came down to earth in the form of a Muni.
Pratham went to the court of Rativardan, Prince Rativardhan stood up respectfully on seeing the Muni and received him with great veneration. He entreated the Muni to be seated and the prince himself sat at the Muni's feet.
The Muni blessed the prince saying "Dharamlabh” (May you attain spiritual prosperity); and preached a sermon to him. Moreover he informed Prince Rativardhan of the fact that in his earlier life he was Muni Paschim and that he himself was Pratham Muni in his earlier life. Prince Rativardhan on hearing the words of the Muniraj easily remembered his earlier Janma. Pratham who was now a heavenly being felt greatly happy. He said in elation.
"Dear brother ! Even now you can mend matters. If we can rectify our blunders, they will be no more blunders. The day dawns when we wake up. Dear Child! This world is a vanity - fair abounding in foul sights, disgusting and transient pleasures. Therefore discard this worldly life which is sinful and resume again the path of Sadhudharma”.
In consequence prince Rativardhan lost all attachment for samsar and its transient pleasures. He informed his mother Indumathi of his decision to renounce the samsar. His mother was greatly shocked and pained to hear this. She had not even dreamt that such a thing would come about. She at once became greatly agitated and profoundly grieved. But when Rativardhan narrated to her the story of his poorvajanma she gladly acceded to his plan to pursue the path of Sadhudharma.
Rativardhan became initiated into the Samyamdharma. After his death his soul reached the fifth heaven.
The two brothers lived in the heavenly world until the span of their heavenly life ended and then after completing their
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org