Jain Story Book

Author(s): Manu Doshi
Publisher: Manu Doshi

Page 14

1) Mithila was full of agony on account of cries of his kins and other people consequent upon his renunciation, 2) Mithila was set ablaze, 3) Mithilä was totally defenceless, 4) Mithila was afflicted by thieves, burglars and other criminals, 5) his erstwhile subordinates were defying the authority of Mithilä, and so on. Nami however remained totally unperturbed and replied that everything happens as destined and his interference could not make any difference. Indra then said that the purpose of penance is to gain pleasure and asked him to undertake building of palaces and other places of entertainment where he could enjoy all sorts of pleasures during that life itself. He also called Nami to undertake ritual sacrifices for earning Punya. Since Nami remained firm, Indra tried to dissuade him by pointing out to the need for begging alms and other rigors of the renounced life. This dialogue between Indra and Nami has been given in chapter 9 of the Uttaradhyayan Sutra.
None of the efforts of Indra had any impact on Nami who said that he would gladly continue the life of a lonely monk instead of resorting to the momentary pleasures of the worldly life. Indra then realized the futility of his efforts. He congratulated Nami for his sense of detachment and bowing him he went back to his place. Nami then continued his penance with all the vigor and ultimately gained omniscience. Persons, who thus gain omniscience without guidance from any one, are called Pratyekbuddha or Sahasambuddha. According to Jain tradition there have been four such Pratyekbuddhas and Nami is one of them. He is therefore known as Nami Rajarshi.
KAPIL MUNI
In ancient time, king Jitshatru was ruling over Kaushambi. There was a learned man named Kashyap Shastri in that city. Being well versed in all rituals, he was appointed as the Court Priest and was held in reverence as such. He had a wife named Shridevi who gave birth to a son. He was named Kapil. Being the only son, the boy was brought up in all fondliness. He therefore stayed more attached to luxuries of life and did not pay much attention to studies. Consequently when his father died, the king appointed other knowledgeable person as the Court Priest. Shridevi felt very bad about that. Once, while the new priest was going to the court with the pomp associated with that position, Shridevi happened to see him. Remembering the days when her husband too was going to the court with similar pomp, she got tears in her eyes. As Kapil saw the tears, he enquired about the cause of her grief. She replied that she felt sorry for the loss of his father's position and said that if Kapil had been as learned as his father, he too would have gained that position and that would have made her very happy.
Kapil had respect for his mother. He also realized his foolishness in not studying seriously. He said that he was willing to undertake the studies and be as learned as his father. She told him that his father's friend Indradatta lived in the city of Shravasti. He was very knowledgeable and would be willing to teach him. Thereupon, Kapil made necessary preparation for the travel and on one auspicious day he left Kaushambi. Arriving at Shravasti he went to Indradatta and conveying him the message of his mother, he requested for his help in studying. Indradatta was pleased to see his friend's son and agreed to accept him as his pupil.
According to the practice of that time Kapil had to get his food by going for alms. That took too much of the time and that affected his study. Indradatta had a friendly businessman named Shalibhadra. He requested the latter to arrange for Kapil's food. Shalibhadra arranged with a Brahmin widow named Manorama for the boarding of Kapil and accordingly he started sending groceries for two of them. That arrangement gave enough time to Kapil for studies and he could make good progress. Unfortunately, however something else was destined for Kapil.