Jain Story Book

Author(s): Manu Doshi
Publisher: Manu Doshi

Page 42

Mätangpati was not visible but the mangoes that he plucked were visible. It was therefore hard for the burglar to escape piercing the live wall that watchmen had formed. He had ultimately to give way and made himself visible. He was then arrested and for the rest of the night he was placed in captivity.
As he was produced in the royal court the next day, Shrenik was impatient to sentence him to death, because he intended to set an example by beheading the culprit for his daring burglary. Abhaykumar was however impressed by his art and intended to put it to the state use. He had also found out that the accused was not a professional burglar and had resorted to plucking the mangoes simply to satisfy the desire of his pregnant wife. Abhaykumar knew very well how irresistible such desires could be. He had therefore developed a soft corner for the accused and had thought out a plan to save his life. Accordingly, he suggested that before punishing the accused, the king should learn from him the mysterious arts that he possessed. The king welcomed the idea and asked Mätangpati to teach his art. The poor man had no alternative but to comply.
For this purpose he was brought to the palace. There the king was seated in the royal seat and standing in front of him, Mätangpati began teaching the mysterious charms. He used all his diligence. Some how however Shrenik could not memorize them. He reproached the accused that he was not seriously teaching him. Abhaykumar thereupon pointed out that the king could not gain the learning, because he was not giving the respect due to a teacher. Shrenik too realized his mistake. He therefore asked Mätangpati to occupy his seat and himself stood before him as a student. He could then quickly learn the secrets of that art.
Shrenik then consulted Abhaykumar about the appropriate punishment for the culprit. Abhaykumar pointed out that since Mätangpati had become his teacher, the king should extend to him the appropriate reward as a preceptor. And what could be a better reward than sparing the life of the preceptor? The king was pleased with the idea and set the Mätangpati free.
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ANÄTHIMUNI
Once king Shrenik went on a horse ride and away from his capital he came to a park known as Mandikux. It was the best part of the spring season. All the trees and entire plant life was lovely green; there were fully blossomed flowers of different colors; birds of variegated hues were flying here and there and sweet music was emanating from the streams flowing with crystal clear water Shrenik got fascinated and felt very happy to see the lavish splendour of nature. He enjoyed his ride in various parts of the park. Going ahead, he happened to glance a monk(Muni) meditating under a tree. He went closer and noticed that the Muni was very handsome, youthful and attractive. Shrenik could not make out why a person like him should have renounced. Bowing to him the king sat in front of him. When the Muni looked at him, the king asked the reason for renouncement in the prime of youth. The Muni briefly replied that it was because of his helplessness. Shrenik could not believe that a youth like the Muni could be really helpless. He however offered to extend all kinds of help and shelter to the Muni, if the Muni intended to go in for the worldly life once again.
The Muni smiled and said that Shrenik himself was shelterless; how could he then provide shelter to others? Shrenik could not believe his ears when he heard that. He thought that the Muni had not recognized him. He therefore said that he was the king of Magadha; he had a large army; he