Shalibhadra Diwakar Chitrakatha 047

Author(s): Shreechand Surana
Publisher: Mahavir Seva Trust Mumbai

Page 24

Shalibhadra returned home and said to his mother! Now | mother
Son! You're
want to Mother!
renounce the son of a
mundane Today I listened
religious father. Reli
pleasures and to the discourse
get initiated as
gious disof Acharya
course would
San ascetic. Dharmaghosh
naturally Suri. I was
please you. elated
Son! Your body is very
tender. You have yet to experience what is pain and sorrow. The path of ascetic discipline is more difficult and painful than walking on
sharp thorns.
RO
The mother described the hardships of the ascetic life but failed to stop Shalibhadra. He had only one answer
Mother! I have firmly resolved. I will harden this body with austerities. I will take all afflictions in my stride and become my own master.
I have to liberate my soul by getting
initiated.
Son ! If this is what you have resolved,
you should practice renouncing in steps. Renounce comforts
one by one.
III
Shalibhadra accepted this advise and renounced one wife everyday along with some comforts.
22