________________
365
beat them so severely that all the joints of their body became loose. They were out able walk about, move about, sit up or stand up. Retraining at that spot, they suffered great agony. Sāgara Candra Muni went into a pleasure-garden and rernained in Kāyotsarga, absolutely absorbed in meditation on the Jinéśvara.
When Kug Muni-candra of Avanti was informed about the event at purohit's house, he sent his servants to the Sådhus' Upashraya to make inquiries about that particular Muni The Sådhus living in the Upāshraya, said:-There was a Sàdhu-guest here, but we do not know where he has gone' While making inquiries, the kug's servants went into the pleasure-garden outside the town in which Sāgara Candra Muni was in Käyotsarga. On seeing Sågara Candra Muni in the Udyāna (pleasure garden) they were greatív astonished, and they knew that he is the same excellent Săgara Candra Rajarsi who having given his kingdom to Prince Guņacandra, took Bhāgavati Dîkşā. The servants went to their king and gave him the news of the arrival of Sā. gara Candra Muni in the Udyāna King Municandra thought:'Having come to know that these boys had malice towards Jainism, Sagara Candra Muni himself has rightly purished them. Or else, who else is able to bring tliese wicked boys to the right path. Earth itself is the support for those who have slipped from it. Let me, therefore, pacify the Rājarşi with sweet, polite words and let me keep them alive. There is no other remedy. With this idea in his mind, the king immediately went into the udyāna, and falling at the feet of Ságara Candra Rajars, he asked pardon, for the misbehaviour of the two boys Sāgara Candra Muni told him.- Indiscrete King! You are not able to prevent those two wicked boys from striking at the root of Dharma on account of your Moha (infatuation) towards them, and, therefore, you deserve to be punished in this way' Those who are indifferent to persons striking a blow to Religion, are themselves sinful. The king bewildered with fear, said, O Compassionate Muni! You forgive the fault of the two boys. They will never do such an offence again. Have mercy on them and make their quite heal
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
