Journey Into Jainism

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

Page 60

The Value of Renunciation (2)
51
Gradually, Metaarya underwent a complete metamorphosis. He concentrated on his monkhood. Spiritual practice (sadhana), adopted under compulsion, became the part and parcel of his life. Engrossed in the life of a monk, he studied the scriptures and adopted a life based upon non-violence as an extension of non-attachment. Many years passed as he performed sadhana. Metaarya became lean and thin through long periods of penance. Though physically weak, his spiritual splendour was reflected in his face.
In his journeying through many villages, he once again came upon the town where he had passed the twelve years of opulence. At that time he was finishing a onemonth fast. It was the day of his parana (the first meal after a fast). In search of alms, Metaarya came to the house of a goldsmith, a man known for his skill and respected by all. On that particular day, he was preparing for King. Shrenik a gold necklace made of golden barley grains. When he saw Metaarya, the goldsmith bowed in respect and went into his house to get some offerings. In his absence, a heron sat down and ate the grains, mistaking them for real barley.
The goldsmith returned to offer the alms to Metaarya, then went back to his workseat, only to find the grains stolen. The goldsmith's fear and anger were compounded by the fact that the necklace was being prepared out of expensive material for the king himself. The goldsmith looked about, but found no person there except the muni. He questioned Metaarya, who kept silent. Metaarya did not, even by his physical gestures, indicate the guilt of the heron for to do so would amount to killing