________________
asked a relative who he was. The man replied that he was the son-in-law of the king. Shripal heard that. He became sad that he was being identified his relationship with his father-in-law. He felt that one should gain fame from one's own efforts and from association with relatives. He, therefore, secured permission from Mayana and the king and set by himself on an auspicious day.
He traveled far and wide, visited many places., and boldly faced the adversities that he encountered. During that period, he did not forsake his devotion to Navapad. Consequently,
with Mayana who was dearest to him. Then he decided to get back original kingdom of Champa-nagar. He sent a message to his uncle Ajitsen to leave the throne that he seized. Ajitsen was however too proud to give it up.
Therefore, Shripal invaded Champa-nagar with vast army. Ajitsen put up a tough fight. However,
his
This story describes the faith of Mayanasundari on the philosophy of Karma and her devotion to Navapad. It stresses the importance of her effort and determination to change her fate.
he
successfully
survived all the ordeals.
As was the custom at that time,
he married many girls, acquired a lot of wealth and many followers. Equipped with that, he came back and camped outside Ujjayini. His army was so large that it virtually surrounded the city. King Prajapal thought that some enemy had come with a large force to conquer Ujjayini. He came to the camp and was pleased to recognize his son-in law. Shripal entered city where he was given a hero's welcome. His mother and Mayana were anxiously awaiting his arrival and were very happy to see him.
Shripal happily spent some time
Mayana understood the nature of Karma. However, she was not content withher fate. She and her husband, Shripal,exerted theirownefforts into prayer and practice to improve his condition and were ultimately successful. They accepted that Karma had put them into their current condition, but they also knew that they could change their future if they only put effort into acquiring good Karmas and destroying bad Karmas.
Happiness or misery is a state of mind regardless of the situation one is in. If you think you are miserable, then you will be miserable. Full faith in the theory of
Karma is essential to
be content and
happy.
army was not
match for Shripal's. In the tough fight Ajitsen was captured and Charnpanagar was taken over by Shripal. He then gracefully released his uncle from captivity. Ajitsen now felt that his days were almost over, and he decided to renounce worldly life. Thereafter Shripal happily passed the rest of his life as king of Champa-nagar.
a
STORIES PRECEDING BHAGWAN MAHAVIR ►
107
