Stories From Jainism

Author(s): Mrugendramuni
Publisher: Jain Yoga Foundation

Page 60

Once a Jain Muni visited Vankachula's place. The monsoon was near, and, the sadhu expressed the desire to live in his residence. Vankachula agreed to the sadhu's request provided the latter undertook to refrain from preaching sermons. He feared that his sermons would convert the members of his gang into the fold of non-robbers. The sadhu, in turn asked him not to resort to violence of any kind in that area.
The monsoon was over and the sadhu prepared to leave the place of the robbers. So, Vankachula with his band of robbers went to give a send off to the sadhu. They were now beyond the boundary of the residence of the robbers. So, the Acharya began to preach a little sermon. He told Vankachula to accept a discipline or a vow. This would help him in life. Then four vows were given to him for observance, namely:
i) Not to eat unknown fruits,
ii) To retrace a few steps before attacking any one.
iii) Not to have carnal relations with the Queen.
iv) Not to eat crow's flesh.
Vankachula agreed to observe these vows.
One day Vankachula was returning home with his companions after looting, in a big way. All of them were tired and hungry. Some of them brought some fruits from the forest. But since the fruits were unknown, Vankachula refused to eat them. But his companions satisfied their hunger, by eating these unknown fruits. And all of them
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