Book Title: Shraman Bhagvana Mahavira Part 5
Author(s): Ratnaprabhvijay, D P Thaker
Publisher: Parimal Publication

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Page 420
________________ 48 Once, when Kumărapăla came to pay his respects to the Guru, he saw a piece of coarse cloth called khādi on his head. He said, “Why should a person like you who has a disciple like me put on such a coarse cloth ?" The great Guru answered, “A poor Jaina has given this piece of cloth with boundless devotion. I went for Goc'arı (going to get alms by a Jaina ascetic) today. Thinking of his great love I use no other cloth but this " Thus indirectly, the attention of the king was drawn to the miserable condition of a spiritual brother and reminded him in clear terms of his duties. The king otbained piety on account of the company of the Guru, and due to hearing holy books Remembering his former promises, he offered, his kingdom to the Guru. The Guru said, “What do we the disinterested care for the kingdom? Why should the pleasures that have been discaided be accepted again ?" These words created great respect in the heart of the king towards jaina ascetics and he took a vow that he should bow down to any ascetic following Jainism. One day the king saw a Jaina ascetic who had got his head shaved, who was dressed in loose garments, who had sandals on his feet, a betel leaf in his hand, and who had kept his arms on the shoulder of a prostitute. The king saluted him according to his custom. Some body informed the Guru of this. While preaching the Guru said, “By bowing down to a low person, fame is not obtained." The king thought that it was a reference to his conduct, and since then he decided to stop doing such actions On the other hand, the Păsatthå’-ascetic who was saluted by the king was so much ashamed that he was reminded of his dignity, and accepting once again the five great penances, he fasted This news spread in the city, and when the king knew of this, he also came to Upasraya' to salute. The moment he prepared to salute, the ascetic caught hold of his hand and said, “My lord, you are my teacher. You have saved me from this ocean of the world. Had you not bowed down to me I would not have been brought to the right senses." Still however, the king knelt down before the ascetic Jain Education International For Private & Personal Use Only www.jainelibrary.org

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