Stories From Jainism

Author(s): Mrugendramuni
Publisher: Jain Yoga Foundation

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followed a diamond ring from the minister for the dancer. In this way, many gifts were showered on her. Seeing this shower of gifts, the king asked why all of them were eager to present the dancer before the king could give any thing.
So Kshullak said, 'O King, I am the son of your younger brother. I became a monk and observed monkhood for sixty years. But having been agitated sexually, I gave it up. I had come to you to ask for your kingdom in order to live luxuriously and to satisfy my carnal instincts. But when I heard the verse uttered by the mother of the courtesan, I became disillusioned. I don't want to be back in luxuries. I consider the courtesan's mother my new teacher. Hence I have presented the gem-studded shawl. I also present you with this diamond-ring."
Hearing this wonderful story. King Pundarik said, “O Kshullak, please forgive me. I was also overpowered by sexual instinct in the past, and killed your father. You have opened my eyes. Take back this kingdom. I entrust it to you. May you be happy."
Thišo Kshullak said to the king, “Uncle, I don't want the kingđom. I have got the real kingdom that I have had earlier. Our soul's kingdom is better than any other earthly kingdom. I shall rule over the kingdom of the self."
Then the king's son also confessed, “Father, I was trying to murder you out of my lust for kingdom. This verse has also opened my eyes. You are not going to live long. Why should I then strike and kill you?"
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