Tirthankar Mahavir

Author(s): Kumarpal Desai
Publisher: Jaybhikkhu Sahitya Trust

Page 60

Acharya Shri Kailassagarsun Gyanmandir
In the year of the donations, the poverty of the people was removed as gold and silver had been given away in charity. Wealth and food-grains were distributed among the needy. Since the beginning, Vardhamana had remained free from any attachment for the kingdom or royal power Renouncing all his possessions he became as light as a cloud that had become empty of water after showering it on the earth. As he became lighter, he also felt more cheerful.
The auspicious moment of the renunciation arrived. Though it was renunciation of the world; it involved neither indifference nor disregard, neither disrespect nor slighting, towards anybody. Though it was an occasion of renunciation involving separation of the beloved, there were no wailings or cries of grief. All were thrilled with the joy of renunciation. The occasion inspired noble feelings in the hearts of all.
It was a rare moment. It was a rare event. It was renunciation with the consent of all. It was renunciation undertaken after showing utmost respect for the love and affection of all.
Tears welled up in the eyes of the elder brother - Nandivardhana - who had unbounded love for his younger brother. Nandivardhana looked up to Vardhamana as if the latter was his elder brother. He bowed down before Vardhamana. Eldership due to age seemed wrong to him. But eldership due to knowledge, intelligence and renunciation was right. Nandivardhana's throat was choked with emoticn so he could not find any words to express his feelings. He was puzzled as to how he should bid farewell to his younger brother. But he very well understood that his brother's renunciation was for the welfare of all beings. He knew that his younger brother had taken the path which would make him the universal religious ruler working for the good of all beings, instead of taking the path which would have made him a king working for the prosperity of his small kingdom only.
Prince Vardhamana approached his beloved wife Yashoda. Her sentiments were as wonderful as her understanding. Beside her was standing his beloved daughter Priyadarshana and her husband Jamali. Yashoda wished him farewell. She said, “The wife of a warrior makes an auspicious saffron mark on the forehead of her husband while sending him to the battle-field. O my lord, you are the universal victor. Your renunciation is for the welfare of all beings. May you acheive the final goal of ending all the miseries of the world. May vou be the supreme saviour. Your memories will always inspire us."
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