Jinamanjari 1998 04 No 17

Author(s): Jinamanjari
Publisher: Canada Bramhi Jain Society Publication

Page 60

path before he could instruct them. Accepting the condition, the couple said: "Venerable monk, here we are. Please teach us the Jaina path.”
The monk thus explained the path.“ The principle of samyaktva - equanimity - is the basis upon which all other vows are to be incorporated in life. The study of Prathānuyoga, Karunāņuyoga, Caranānuyoga and Dravyānuyoga would equip one to incorporate samvyaktva.” Further, the monk added: “You both would get to hear the Jaina principles by your own son to be born soon, for he would become a great saint."
The couple went home with their good news. Indue course of time, Sridevi delivered a baby boy. In jubiliation, Mādhava Bhatta performed an yagna on the tenth day of the birth. The astrologer foretold, after examining the horoscope, that their son would become a great person. Having their desire fulfilled, the couple felt that their life now has become pujya, worthy and honorable. Hence, they named their son as Pujyapāda.
As Pujyapāda was growing, Mādhava Bhatta taught him writing, reading as well as religion. As the time passed, Sridevi became pregnant again and delivered a baby girl. She was named Kamalini. Mādhava Bhațța and Sridevi were delighted, and chose to marry the girl Kamalini, when time came, to Guna Bhatta, son of Mādhava Bhatta's sister whose husband was Paniya.
Pujyapāda became well versed in the Āgamas, Jaina Purāņās, logic, mathematics and medicine etc., all in all 64 kinds of education. As he grew, he lived in Jaina principles, and his prectices were so great that he became known for all his virtues. In the meantime, his sister Kamalini had stepped into the marriage age, and as her parents had already chosen to whom she would be married to, she was wedded to Guna Bhatta, on an auspicious day. In due course of time, Kamalini gave birth to a baby boy, whom they named Nāgārjuna.
Pujyapāda remained bachelor engaged deeply in the practice of 53 śravaka vows, and successfully incorporating them in life, he expressed to his parents that he would like to follow the life of a mendicant. Being their only son, the parents attempted to explain that there would be a time for him to become a monk, only after he leads the life of a samsāri - householder. Persuation after persuation by his
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