Stories From Jainism

Author(s): Mrugendramuni
Publisher: Jain Yoga Foundation

Page 30

by taking him with you?" The Sadhu said, I am prepared to take him away, but you should not ask for him again. And lo! the monk duly accepted the child and took him away with him. His Guru found the child rather heavy and hence he was christened Vajrakumar.
A Shravika (lay woman) agreed to bring up this child. She was a religious-minded woman and would recite religious hymns and songs while lullabying the child. He used to listen to these words very quietly. He was now three years old and would speak words full of wisdom.
Sunanda came to know of the progress of this wonderful child and so she yearned for him. She then decided to take him back from the foster-mother. She demanded him from Arya Singhgiri. Having failed, she went to the king to get custody of her child.
The king was a little puzzled at her claim. So he ordered that the child be placed in a corner and his father Dhanagiri and his mother Sunanda be seated in front of the child. The child was then asked to select either of them and Vajrakumar approached his father, though Sunanda had placed toys and sweets near her to attract the child. The child at once picked up the Rajoharan (broom) of the Sadhu. Hence the king duly handed over the boy to the Sadhu. In course of time, the boy was initiated as a monk by his (former) father at an early age of eight years. The boy began to progress rapidly and began to learn the scriptures. He was also very particular in his conduct as a Sadhu.