Jain Stories 01

Author(s): Mahendramuni, K C Lalwani
Publisher: A B Jain Shwetambar Terapanth Samaj

Page 74

MUNIPATI
(the story of a great monk who was once a king)
In the Angadesa there was a city named Munipatika, where reigned King Munipati He was the very embodiment of justice and power Prithvi was his first queen and Munichandra was the crown-prince
One day, the king was enjoying the company of the queen in her chamber and the latter was combing his hairs. Saddenly she said, "SırThe thief is in"
The king startled and looked around but did not see the thief So he said,
'What do you say? Where's the thief ?"
The queen pulled out a grey hair from the king's head, and, displaying it, said,
"See, sir! Here's the thief sent by old age".
This proved to be a very significant observation and turned the king's gaze inwards Thought he,
"The youth has started fading out, I'm still engrossed in attachment, living as a householder. Kingdom, wealth and kinsmen are all like snares I have wasted a long time with these Now, it's time for me to withdraw. Old age is not particularly suitable for spiritual practices, since this age generates physical disability, which is a great handicap To practise austerities and penance, one must have a good physique Now, what's past is gone, but I must take care of what remains and make good use of it