Stories From Jainism

Author(s): Mrugendramuni
Publisher: Jain Yoga Foundation

Page 25

anxious. He told the king that Udayi was coming to take back his kingdom." That is why he has left Lord Mahavir's abode. All the ministers and servants of the state are in collusion with Udayi. There is a plot being hatched against you."
So the king proclaimed, “No one should give food or shelter to the visiting king. Any person violating this order shall be severely punished."
Now the royal road was deserted on Udayi's arrival. People began to shut their doors on him. He could get no alms, nor water. However, Udayi walked along the roads with a begging bowl. A familiar face slinked away from the king. The king wondered at this indifference of the people. But he was not troubled by what he experienced.
Udayi then went out of the town. It was mid-day and so it was very hot. He faced all this calmly. To add to his troubles, there was not a single tree in sight, under which he could seek shelter.
A little later he arrived at the house of a potter. His wife was standing at the door and she was touched by the sight of a wandering monk in the extreme heat. Udayi told the woman that he could find no help in the town. So she went into the house to ask her husband. He was aware of the king's proclamation and did not want to invite the king's wrath by sheltering and helping this monk. She began to scold her husband when he was found unwilling to extend hospitality to the monk. On seeing the monk, he could not close the door