Book Title: Some Jaina Canonical Sutras
Author(s): Bimla Charn Law
Publisher: Royal Asiatic Society

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Page 108
________________ 94 SOME JAINA (ANONICAL NOTRAS mother's death is that in her previous existence as the subsidiary wife of a king she had desired the death of the mother of the heir to the throne in order that she might secure royal power for herself and her son. Sujjhasiri is very beautiful. During her adolescence a long famine sets ini, and her father is compelled to sell her 10 a rich Brahmin overseer (māhandgovinda). Being lookeri down upon in his native land, he leaves it, and becomes rich in a foreign country. After 8 years of famine the overseer becomes poor. His ellest son is seen by his mother enjoying a repast of rice-clish with it prostitute. He feels himself threatener, and frightens his mother so that she faints. Family, relatives and frieuds are empty worcis; in truth, everybody pursues his owu object and does not care for his relations inless they are of use to him. Her own son is the example. One should therefore break this bond that causes nothing but misery, and devote oneself to Dhuurma. The daughter of a king, who is favourably disposed towards mendicants becomes it widow imicdiately after marriage. Her father puts her in charge of mendicants. She herself would have preferred to clic on thic pyro', as she would in no way ishonour her noble family. But the king, although overjoyed on decowit of her family-pride, order's her to follow his plan; morcover self-immolation is not the Custom of his family. After his death, as he has no son, royal power goes to her. One day, in the audience hall, she notices a young man of great leauty and contemplates him with longing. He, however, is re is already inclined towards Jaina religion, resolves to become a monk. With that purpose he goes to Hirannakkurudi. I! Onte 10 awuuta teacher there. The king of the country sees him and questions him about the name on the sealing 'ing (mudda-rayana) on his hand. The young man, however, would not give out the name of the man who gave it. If the king, however, promises to embrace his religion, then be would reveal it to him. The king thereupon orders a sumptuous meal and gives the desired promise. The youth now mentions the name. He is captured by the enemy who has come to conquer the city. As he knows himself to be sinless, he bravely offers himself for execution. He then resolves to become a monk. His whole retinue and the enemy also do the same. Here also is explained why his awakening was so easy. The youth was already a monk in a previous existence, but at that time had committed a verbal offence, which brought on him a life-long punishment. The youth, now a renowned teacher, repairs to Mount Sammoyasela in order to prepare

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