Vajrakumar

Author(s): JAINA Education Committee
Publisher: JAINA Education Committee

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STORIES AFTER BHAGAWAN MAHAVIR The next day, the king's courthouse was full of people curious to see what would happen to the child. Sunanda сame with toys, sweets, clothes, and other novelty items to attract Vajrakumar. The king and all his ministers came. Muni Dhangiri came with other monks. Everybody in the courthouse including the king paid homage to the monks. Vajrakumar also came. The king told Vajrakumar, "Vajrakumar, although you are very little, you are a very intelligent boy." Pointing towards his mother, he said, "She is your mother. She is very affectionate and loving. She has lots of toys, sweets, and good clothes for you. She wants you back. On the other side," pointing towards Monk Dhangiri, he continued, there is a Monk who has given up worldly life. He is full of restraint and lives the life of renunciation. He is very virtuous and a revered person. He also wants to keep you with him to teach you about spiritual life. Now you must decide which way you want to go. Do you want to go with your mother or with the monk?" There was pin drop silence. Everybody was eagerly waiting to see what Vajrakumar would decide. Vajrakumar was very serious today. He got up, and as he walked, he glanced at his mother and Muni Dhangiri. Sunanda started screaming, "Son, come here. See, I have brought you toys, sweets, and new clothes. Please, please, come to me." On the other side, Muni Dhangiri did not have anything with him except an Ogho (a broom to clean the way before walking). He showed that to Vajrakumar. Vajrakumar picked up the Ogho and started dancing with it. He started smiling again. Then he decided to sit down with Muni Dhangiri and looked at everybody with a joyful face. Everybody in the courthouse, including the king and Sunanda, were amazed that the young boy decided on monkhood instead of a luxurious worldly life. Sunanda accepted the decision of Vajrakumar and wished him success. She celebrated Vajrakumar's diksha with joy and delight. Later, Vajrakumar became a great Acharya. A human soul is capable of having high religious values and faith at any age. The story of Vajrakumar clearly shows us that it is never too early to learn religious values and to practice religion. 120 Jain STORY BOOK