Jainism For Beginners Level 01

Author(s): Sayampurnashreeji
Publisher: Sayampurnashreeji

Page 85

DOG
kapil
muni
been willing to educated him. Kapil's mother requested Indradatt to educate Kapil and he wilingly accepted Kapil as his student.
In ancient times King Jitshatru was the I King of Kaushambi, India. A learned man named Kashyap Shastri lived in the city. He was a royal Priest and was held in great reverence. He and his wife, Shridevi, hadason named Kapil. Being the only son his parents thoroughly spoilt him. He therefore lived a careless and luxurious life and did not pay much attention to his studies. Consequently, when his father died the king appointed another knowledgeable person as the royal Priest. Shridevi was very disappointed that her son could not achieve the status of the royal Priest. Once Kapil saw tears in his mother's eyes and inquired about the cause of her grief. She replied that if he had been as learned as his father he too would have attained the rank of the royal Priest.
As a student Kapil had to get his food by going for alms. That, however, took too much time and that affected his studies. Later the school arranged with Manorama, a Brahmin widow, to provide for Kapil's boarding and food. That arrangement gave kapil enough time for his studies and he could make good progress. Unfortunately, however, Kapil chose another path.
Kapil had great respect for his mother. He realized his foolishness in not studying seriously. He said that he was willing to undertake his studies and be as learned as his father. His father's friend, Indradatta, was very knowledgeable and had always
Manorama was young and attractive, Over a period of time they fell in love with each other. Studies were almost forsaken as Kapil spent most of his time with her. As they badly needed money to eat and live, Manorama told him that the King of Shravasti gave two grains of gold to the first person to bless him everyday. She therefore advised him to go to the palace early in the morning and bless the king. Kapil agreed to do so.
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