Jain Stories 01

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

Page 82

JAINA STORIES
sion of power to enter into another's body The monk added But it is long since Dharmasena had gone, and it seems he may not come back
"The king was happy to note that the lady was not yet married, but he himself was not in possession of the power to enter into another's body, a very severe condition imposed by her father for a seeker of the lady's hand Finding the king in a difficult situation, the hermit gave the following solution 'You may marry her but till you are in possession of the said power, keep her not in your harem
"To this the king agreed, and the marriage was celebrated. By that time, the king's men also reached that place while searching for him All were happy to see the new queen While departing, the king was again reminded by the hermit of the condition, and the king assured him that he was fully alive to it and would duly honour it.
"Queen Nivritti was not carried to the palace accordingly She was housed in the royal park But the king didn't know where and from whom to get the power. He took his minister into confidence who suggested that an alms-house might be erected soon, and as it would be visited by many holy men everyday, he himself would be on the look-out for one who might be in possession of the power or at least be able to guide as to where and from whom to get it
"The suggestion was accepted by the king and the almshouse was ready. Hundreds of holy men visited it ereryday, but none could be detected who was in possession of the power or who could help in giving a clue to its acquisition.
"Sis months passed in this way One day, a carpet merchant came to that city and by talking with him the minister had a feeling that the fellow might be able to help. So he had a discussion with him in the matter The fellow thought for a while and said, 'Surely did I meet such 3'081, but it is extremely difficult to reach hibo