Stories From Jainism

Author(s): Mrugendramuni
Publisher: Jain Yoga Foundation

Page 46

He then told his Guru of his mental uneasiness. So the Guru advised him to continue in monkhood for a period of twelve years more. So he led a life of a monk for another twelve years. But it was of no avail. Again he continued for twelve years. In this way he lived the life of a monk for 48 years in great uneasiness. Being agitated sexually, he gave up monkhood in the end. When he thus gave up his monkhood, his mother presented him with a gem-studded shawl and a royal coin. She also narrated to him the story of his past life.
Kshullak then went to the royal court of Saket. Here he saw the royal courtesan dancing. He was very charmed by the graceful movements of the dancer.
As the dancer had been dancing for long, she felt weary and tired. So her mother warned her not to be slack by quoting a verse. It meant, “You have danced well, sung well and thus a fairly long night is drawing to an end. Then why not continue a little longer! Don't be lazy for just a little longer." On hearing this piece of advice she determinedly overcame her drowsiness and became agile and active again. She now began to sing and dance better and was more lively.
Kshullak heard the verse and was pleased at the last part of the rhyme. He mused over the words, “Don't be lazy for just a little longer!"
He presented his gem studded shawl to the dancer's mother and the pair of diamond earrings to the dancer. Then