Jain Story Book

Author(s): Manu Doshi
Publisher: Manu Doshi

Page 75

tract, the tree and the parrot to advise him to drink water. He was very pleased to note that Gundhar remained true to his vow even in adversities.
Then, Sur produced in front of Gundhar, the caravan along with his horse. Gundhar was pleased to see his horse alive. Sur also brought forth the diamond ring, that treasure as well as other valuables and asked Gundhar to accept the same as his gift for sincerely observing the restraint. Gundhar however refused to accept it and said that he had decided to give all his wealth to any one who could bring his horse back to life. Since Sur had brought his horse back, Gundhar offered all his wealth to Sur. How could however Sur accept it? He repeatedly urged Gundhar to accept what he was offering out of his pleasure and Gundhar repeatedly requested Sur to accept what he was offering as per his earlier resolve.
There was thus a sweet dispute between the two. Neither of them was willing to accept what was offered by the other. Ultimately, Gundhar's lieutenant suggested that since neither of them was willing to accept that wealth, let it be used for charitable and religious purposes. Both of them liked the idea. Sur heartily blessed Gundhar for his noble virtues and handed over the entire wealth to him for using it for the purposes that he thought fit. Then he went back to his place.
Gundhar spent the rest of his life in making the best use of the wealth. He built magnificent temples, constructed water works, set up educational institutions, provided relief for the poor and set up medical facilities, wherever necessary. Every one praised him for his benevolence and he lived happily ever after.
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JAMBUSWÄMI
In Räjgruhi there was a wealthy merchant named Rushabhadatta who was also known as Arhadas. His wife Dharini alias Jinmati gave birth to a very handsome son in 542 B.C. The boy was named Jambu. He turned out to be very bright and intelligent. Every one liked him. As he grew up, many families were eager to get him married to their daughters. Since it was the age of polygamy, his parents selected 8 girls of reputed families and Jambu was duly engaged with them. Prior to the marriage Jambu once went to the assembly of Sudharmäswami and was very much impressed by the sermon. He developed a very high sense of detachment and decided to renounce. His parents were of course not willing for his renouncing at that young age. Parents of the girls engaged to him were also much perturbed. They were worried about their daughters, since no one else would accept them on account of their being already engaged to him.
All of them pressed Jambu to give up his intention. They pointed out the rigors of ascetic life that he would not be able to face. They also told him that it is very hard to lead the life of a monk and advised him to go in for the comfortable family life. He however remained firm. The parents thought that he would change his mind, if he gets married. They therefore insisted upon his getting married before renouncing. Jambu agreed on condition that he should be allowed to renounce the day after his marriage. Since the girls to whom he was engaged were very beautiful and attractive, every one thought that he would surely gain attachment for them, once he is married. The elders therefore accepted that condition.
The wedding took place on a grand scale. Jambu's parents and those of the girls vied with one another in show of their prosperity. No effort was left out to make the wedding a memorable ceremony. Highly distinguished guests graced the occasion. Jewelry and other precious gifts that were heaped on the newly weds, were the envy for the whole city. Räjgruhi had rarely witnessed such pomp and splendor. Every one congratulated Jambu for getting such beautiful and