Mahavir Prince Of Peace

Author(s): Ranchor Prime
Publisher: Mandala Publishing

Page 59

The only treasure that lasts is spiritual wisdom.
CALL of DESTINY
Acharya Shri Kailassagarsuri Oyanmandir
VER SINCE HIS BIRTH. a great destiny had been foretold for Vardhamana. In her dreams his mother had seen marks of his noble future, and celestial beings had gathered to honor the newborn child. Now Vardhamana felt the call of this destiny more than ever, and as the time for his renunciation approached he prepared himself to take up this great task.
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His future as a universal ruler, which had been written in the stars, was well-known among the nearby rulers. Imagining that soon he would be a powerful man of worldly affairs, many kings sent their princes to serve him and become his friends. They could not believe that he would go through with his good intentions of renunciation-the temptation of wealth and power that awaited him if he were to take the throne offered by his brother would surely be too great. So they thought, and they bided their time, making plans for alliances and collaboration, since the friendship of a powerful ruler is sought by worldly men.
But Vardhamana was oblivious of such ideas. While all around him slept in their comfortable beds, he slept on the bare floor. While others ate sumptuous meals, he ate only simple fare, and sometimes nothing at all, while all the time contemplating the nature of material illusion, and waiting for the moment of his departure.
"I was born alone and I shall die alone," he thought. "Only I can save myself through my own actions. I have no need of royal friends and alliances, for the kingdom I seek does not belong to this world." The princes found him uninterested in the superficial friendship they offered, and heard from him only warnings of the illusion of material wealth and power.
"Do not make plans to find your riches here," he told them. "Whatever you gain you are sure to lose. The only treasure that lasts is spiritual wisdom." Disappointed, the princes returned home.
Nine shining beings, celestial guardians of the holy path leading to liberation, appeared in the court to urge him on his way.