________________
On hearing the news of the gare Pravrajya, (Joining the Monastic Order) by the Prince, the king Visvanandi, extremely grieved and as if hit by a thunder-bolt, went there accompained by the females of his barem and by crown-prince Visäkhanandi. Having done reverent salutation to the Acārya and having respectfully greeted Visvabhūti Muni, King Visvanandi reproachfully and affectionately said, “O child! Is this befitting any one who has been bred up in a excellent family that you accepted these difficult vows of an ascetic, without informing any one about your intentions of doing so? Who offended you? Or, was it our fault Who did not obey your orders that you abruptly adopted an impolite behaviour ? Or, wbat is the use of speaking much? Without you, with whose help shall we able to accomplish our undertakings ? Who will be our support in times of severe difficulties? So, for the present, you any how leave aside the ascetic's vows, and accepting the kingdom, amuse yourself in the Puşpakarandaka pleasure-garden according to you own desire. Do not supply a deficiency to the wild fancies of my enemies; do not make your charming wives,-who are like a garden of lotuses,-helpless. Do not be indifferent to your country which has been so ably protected by your ancestors. Do not make your heart coarse like a tight-knot."
On hearing this, Visvabhūti Muni calmly said “O king! You leave aside your affliction, and accomplish your wished-for affairs. There is nothing to be said in this connection now. You engage yourselves in your respective work. By abandoning worldly enjoyment, one thing becomes perfectly clear that people doing wicked actions while becoming fascinated by their affection towards their kinsmen, have to suffer evil consequences during their degraded existences. Even the kinsmen do not in the least, afford shelter in times of djetress, although they are welltaken care of in various ways, except the Jain Dharma." When thus spoken to by Visvabhūti Muni, the king grieved at this own fault, bowed down before the Muni and went home.
Vigyabhūti Muni, while regularly observing the duties of
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
