Book Title: Jaina Political Thought
Author(s): G C Pandey
Publisher: Prakrit Bharti Academy

Previous | Next

Page 121
________________ were given to sravakas and even money was given to help them maintain their families. The king was then advised on avoiding sensuality and practising austerities. He was instructed on the twelve vratas desisting from destroying life, falsehood, theft, adultery, acquisition, restriction of space, enjoyment of different kinds, inflicting purpose less injury; practising meditation and worship, desavakasika pusadha, and sharing with guests. Following this the king was finally advised on the conquest of the inner passions of kasayas. The king who had acquired sovereignty by the force of arms and conquering others was, thus gradually led through the change of public policies and personal conduct, to the final conquest of the enemies within. "The fame of the king dances over the world since he proclaimed the gift of security of life to all creatures...... He prohibited seven addiction including gambling and drinking. All over he erected Jaina temples which like armed guards prevent the occurrence of all calamities We bow thrice a day to the incomparable power of instruction of the wise Master Hema who though devoid of suprasensuous knowledge was still able to enlighten the king Kumarapala and falsified the common belief that kings cannot have compassion on being." If the Arhanniti describes a practicable ideal of kingship in general, in Kumarapal-pratibodha find the description of an ideal Jaina king. we 108

Loading...

Page Navigation
1 ... 119 120 121 122 123 124 125 126 127 128 129 130 131 132