Jain Story Book

Author(s): Manu Doshi
Publisher: Manu Doshi

Page 71

Some miracle usually happens to prevent such gross perpetration of injustice and a miracle did happen on that occasion. By a heavenly grace, the upper part of the Shuli split into two parts. One part of it bent down at right angle so as to make a sort of seat and to the surprise of every one, Sudarshan was seen sitting on that seat with his back at the unbent part of Shuli. There was a message in the air stating that Sudarshan was completely innocent and it was the queen Abhayä who had laid false allegation against him because he did not abide by her illicit wish. All the people were overjoyed to witness that miracle. Sudarshan was then honorably brought down and the queen was appropriately punished for laying the false allegation against him.
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VASAVADATTA AND UPAGUPTA
In ancient times Mathura, located in the present state of U.P., was one of the most well known and prosperous cities of India. 2000 years back there lived a very beautiful and highly attractive dancer named Vasavadatta. She was young, glamorous and graceful. Scores of well to do people used to go for watching her dance. They felt highly pleased and elated with her performance and showered on her valuable gifts in token of their appreciation. Her performance used to continue till late at night. Costly drinks virtually used to flow there. She was the dream girl for those who could afford and was therefore also called Swapnavasavadatta. People of Mathura used to consider her a jewel of the city.
Vasavadatta literally led a heavenly life. She lived in a palatial building where scores of maids stayed in attendance upon her. She had not to experience any shortage and led very luxurious life. There were many youths who longed for her and were willing to sacrifice their entire wealth for gaining her love. They were ever willing to serve her and considered themselves fortunate, if they got an opportunity to do something for her. Every desire of hers was looked upon by them as her grace. Whenever she wished, she used to pick up one of them as her bed partner. She was like a goddess of beauty for the youths of Mathura.
In the city there was also a young monk named Upagupta. He was handsome, intelligent, educated and well built. Had he wished it, he could have easily attained the top of the worldly life. But he had gained the opportunity to undertake in depth study of scriptures from his enlightened preceptor. That had convinced him of the utter futility and transitory nature of the worldly comforts and amenities. He had gained realization that the apparently happy worldly life is beset with unhappiness, miseries and afflictions. This had led him to the search for true happiness. He had therefore renounced the worldly life at the very young age and had become a possessionless monk. As such, he had adopted all the five major restraints inclusive of celibacy and scrupulously observed the same. As a monk, he needed only food, shelter and a pair of clothes. He lived in a cottage of grass at one end of the city, got food by going for alms and his minimal need of clothes was taken care of by devotees. This had helped him in overcoming all desires and in avoiding all sorts of craving or aversion. Under the state of detachment he could get the glimpse of true happiness emanating from within. The only purpose of his life was to gain liberation and in the meanwhile to render service wherever necessary..
Once Upagupta happened to go to Vasvadatta's place for alms of food. As he entered, he came upon the pathway paved with costly marbles of different shades and designs, fragrant flower plants of various hues and colors on both sides and water fountains at intervals spraying cool, perfumed water. He witnessed all this with a completely detached mind and proceeded towards the dining area. Seeing him approaching, an old maid came out to serve him. On the other side of the building, Vasvadatta was getting ready in her dressing room. She saw his reflection in one of the wall mirrors and was struck by his youthful and attractive appearance.