Journey Into Jainism

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

Page 44

The Value of Simple-Heartedness
One day, Atimuktaka, the son of King Vijay in Pollaspur, was playing with his friends when he saw Gautama Swami, who was the chief disciple and an apostle of Lord Mahavir, passing that way.
"Who are you? Where are you going?" Atimuktaka asked him.
"I am a Jain monk and am going to collect my alms," replied Gautama Swami.
"Can you take food from my home too?" asked Atimuktaka.
"Why not?" replied Gautama Swami.
Atimuktaka brought him to his home holding him by the hand. After taking his food, Gautam Swami returned with Atimuktaka.
Atimuktaka listened attentively to Gautama Swami's lecture about Mahavir Swami and, enchanted by it, instantly and eagerly became ready to leave his household life at once. At first his parents were very reluctant to allow him for his initiation but finally they had to agree. He then became a monk.
One day, while he was out in the forest looking at the river he forgot about his monkhood. He put his begging