Journey Into Jainism

Author(s): Smitpragyashreeji, Vishrutvibhashreeji
Publisher: B Jain Publishers Pvt Ltd

Page 19

The Value of Pure Thought (1)
King Prasannachandra ruled over the small state of Pottanpur. At last came the time for him to transfer his royal authority to his son, who had just come of age. After entrusting the management of the State to his son, Prasannachandra received initiation from Lord Mahavir.
Once Prasannachandra, now a monk, came to Rajgriha with Lord Mahavir. Standing on one leg, with arms raised, he was engrossed in meditation outside the Samavasaran. A large number of people, including King Shrenik, passed by without disturbing the deep meditation of the monk to see Mahavir.
Seeing the calm, quiet face of Prasannachandra, resplendent in meditational pose, Durmukh, a minister of King Shrenik, was possessed by a fit of mad jealousy and malicious intent to disturb the monk's tranquillity. He taunted, “Having left your son, a minor, at the helm of affairs of your kingdom, you have become a carefree monk. Do you know how fearful your young son is in such a situation? Enemies have surrounded him on all sides ! The kingdom and his life both are at stake! If you have any worth, show it. It is your duty to save your child from these perils, after which you should think of spiritual attainments."
Outwardly, Prasannachandra was unperturbed, but inwardly, his mind was growing restless. He visualized the frightened face of his young, helpless child and he was