Journey Into Jainism

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

Page 50

The Value of Inspiration
41
and heard the conversation. Listening to the talk of detachment in the first night of marriage, he was very surprised. Jambu Kumar had persuaded his eight wives to get ready for initiation together with him.
In a state of shock, Prabhava thought to himself, "We are both men and how virtuous he is and how degraded I am! He is leaving all his property like dust as if he were totally unattached to it, whereas I am here collecting it and wanting more and more. Prabhava felt himself defeated by the personality of Jambu Kumar.
Appearing before Jambu, Prabhava said, "O Lord! The man who did not bend his head low enough before your royal status is now touching your lotus feet."
Jambu's selflessness left an indelible impression on Prabhava, who also then decided to take initiation. He explained the reality to each of the five-hundred thieves and all of them realized the worthlessness of their deeds. They thought deeply to what Prabhava said and immediately all the five hundred of them got ready to follow their leader and take initiation.
Early in the morning, Jambu apprised his parents and also the parents of his brides of his intention of being initiated. This information made all the parents equally detached. Jambu arrived in the presence of Acharya Sudharma. Acharya Sudharma initiated all the 527 men at a stretch and included them in his fold of monks and
nuns.
Later, Acharya Sudharma handed over the respon