________________
THE VOW
One cannot find happiness in material things. One can only find happiness in the pursuit of these three jewels.
The first jewels is "Right knowledge". With the aid of right knowledge we can distinguish between good and bad.
The second jewel is "Right Faith". This jewel helps us to understand and judge better. Right faith inspires us to get the third and last, most precious jewel - which is "Right conduct". Without this third most important jewel, the other two jewels are worthless. It is only through right conduct and good behaviour that we can achieve spiritual peace."
The merchant and the king were stirred by this. They realised the true value of these three jewels, which are the only ones worth possessing!
Once there was a king. He was very religious. He would meditate and say his prayers every day.
One night he stood still whilst meditating (KAUSAGGA). He decided to meditate until the oil lamp in the room went out.
An hour passed. A maid came into the room and saw that the lamp was about to go out, so she poured some oil into the lamp.
Another hour passed. The maid returned. She saw the king standing and meditating. She thought that it would be improper if the lamp went out and there was darkness in the room so she poured more oil into it.
Thus, the king could not finish his meditation because the lamp was still burning and he had decided that he would meditate until the lamp faded out. On the other hand the maid continued to think that it was her humble duty to pour more oil in the lamp to keep the room lighted.
This went on all night.
At sun-rise there was no need for the lamp so the maid did not fill the lamp with oil. The light of the lamp faded out.
The king now finished his meditation. Such was his determination ! Such was his vow !
d: jain story
