Journey Into Jainism

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

Page 84

The Value of Self-Realization
75
Seeing Anaathi free from his illness, all the family members were pleased. He related the story to his parents, got permission to take Deeksha and entered the world of monkhood..
Once when Anaathi muni was on the way to Rajgriha, he was standing in a meditation posture under a tree. King Shrenik, passing through the town, was surprised to see the handsome young monk and wished to speak with him.
At that time King Shrenik was the follower of Lord Buddha. Shrenik asked Anaathi the reason for renouncing the household. The Muni replied, “I am anaath.” King Shrenik assumed that no one had been taking care of the monk. The King offered him all his wealth and promised him to look after him. The king asked the monk to come with him. Shrenik was ready to be Anaathi's Nath.
Anaathi muni replied, “You are also anaath; how can you be my naath?” When the king was sụrprised at these words the muni replied, "Do you think you can buy the authority of becoming my naath? I am a monk, I have no need for your wealth.”.
The muni further explained to the king that nobody can be the shelter for others. He got a good impression of Jain religion and accepted it. Anaathi muni, after years of performing penance and meditation to destroy his karmas, at last attained enlightenment..
This story tells us that there is truly no person or being in this world who is able to give us shelter. We are the makers of our own destiny.