Mahavir Prince Of Peace

Author(s): Ranchor Prime
Publisher: Mandala Publishing

Page 56

STAYING ON
Though he was still with his family, his heart was far away.
Prince Vardhamana heard his brother's petition with understanding, and readily agreed to stay for
another ten years
SHE LIVED HIS ROYAL LIFE Vardhamana was always thinking of renunciation. He felt his mission in life lay beyond his family he wanted to serve the whole world.
A
"Human life is a rare gift," he thought. "It should not be wasted. Only human life enables us to search for knowledge and understand our spiritual nature. Yet few know that they come into this world from a previous lifetime, nor do they know where they will go when they leave. Death may come at any time, even in childhood or youth, therefore we must search for true knowledge before it is too late. All of life should not be spent living amidst one's family, attached to one's wife and children. None of these, nor all the wealth of the royal palace, can save one from the karma of one's past actions. Therefore waste no time and seek the truth."
Thinking like this, outwardly he appeared like a man of wealth and pleasure, but inwardly he prepared himself to renounce his comfortable life.
Meanwhile his parents grew old. Soon they must be ready to leave this world. They could no longer walk with ease; their eyesight was dimmed and their appetite for life was dwindling. Recognizing that their time was approaching, they gathered their family round them to instruct them in their duties. They must look after one another and care for the kingdom, and at the same time not neglect their own spiritual well-being. The king and queen begged their children to forgive any faults they had shown in their life together, and asked them not to be sorry at their loss. When they were ready, they abandoned eating and drinking, and sat with minds peaceful and serene, their hearts filled with compassion. In this way they waited until death finally came to claim them.
Vardhamana was now twenty-eight years old. For the sake of his mother he had entered family life and accepted the responsibilities of a royal prince. Now, with his parents gone, he no longer felt the ties