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Stories After Bhagwan Mahavir
104
were fed up with his crying. Once you give something you cannot have it back."
Sunanda said, "Oh King, this is not a thing. This is my own flesh and blood, and he is the only hope I have, please do something to get him back. I cannot live without him."
The king could feel the motherly affection and sincerity in her voice. He was also puzzled. Ultimately he told Sunanda, "I will call you and Muni Dhangiri in the courthouse and let Vajrakumar decide whom he wants to go with. Is it okay with you?"
Sunanda said, "Yes, Your Majesty."
The next day, the king's courthouse was full of people curious to see what would happen to the child. Sunanda came with toys, sweets, clothes, and other novelty items to attract Vajrakumar. The king and all his ministers came. Muni Dhangiri came with other monks. Everybody in the courthouse including the king paid homage to the monks. Vajrakumar also came.
The king told Vajrakumar, "Vajrakumar, although you are very little, you are a very intelligent boy." Pointing towards his mother, he said, "She is your mother. She is very affectionate and loving. She has lots of toys, sweets, and good clothes for you. She wants you back."
On the other side, pointing towards Monk Dhangiri, he continued, "there is a Monk who has given up worldly life. He is full of restraint and lives the life of renunciation. He is very virtuous and a revered person. He also wants to keep you with him to teach you about spiritual life. Now you must decide which way you want to go. Do you want to go with your mother or with the monk?"
There was pin drop silence. Everybody was eagerly waiting to see what Vajrakumar would decide. Vajrakumar was very serious today. He got up, and as he walked, he glanced at his mother and Muni Dhangiri. Sunanda started screaming, "Son, come here. See, I have brought you toys, sweets, and new clothes. Please, please, come to me."
वियररिसी
On the other side, Muni Dhangiri did not have anything with him except an Ogho. He showed that to Vajrakumar. Vajrakumar picked up the Ogho and started dancing with it. He started smiling again. Then he decided to sit
