Mahavir Prince Of Peace

Author(s): Ranchor Prime
Publisher: Mandala Publishing

Page 64

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Acharya Shri Kailassagarsuri Gyanmands
His kindness radiated through the land, giving hope to all the citizens.
HE GIVES EVERYTHING AWAY
NE YEAR HAD PASSED since his brother had begged him to stav on, leaving one year remaining before Vardhamana, who was unshakeable in his intention, would leave the court forever. To prepare for his departure, he had first to divest himself of his formidable wealth. No one can enter a life of renunciation without first giving up
their possessions, and he wanted to set an example for others to follow. As prince of a prosperous kingdom he held vast resources at his disposal. His treasury was filled with gold, silver, precious stones, ornaments of rare craftsmanship and beauty, jewelery and costly fabrics. None of these were of any more use to him, other than to be given away. So he opened up his treasure house and diligently set about distributing all he had
He had long since ceased caring for his wealth-even in childhood he had felt no attachment to it. Now he saw it simply as a means to help others whose needs and desires might be greater or more pressing than his own. Therefore he set no limits on his charity. Whoever came whether rich or poor, was to him worthy of the same generosity
Each day he opened his doors and waited in his hall to receive whoever would come. As word spread, a stream of people, the ordinary folk of his kingdom, crowded in. Among them were men and women of high rank or low, young or old, rich or poor sick or healthy, those with employment or those with none. It made no difference who came before him, each was greeted with the same openhanded offer.
Tell me what you wish for. Simply ask and it shall be yours."
In the presence of such generosity and kindness, the people's minds were softened. They forgot any greed or calculations they may have been thinking of, and modestly asked only for what they could use or benefit from in a fair way.
Hic opened up about discret
treasure house and wilgendly se
he had a charity