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he knew his limitations and his enormous responsibility to his family and the kingdom. He was sad, but the prince's enthusiasm cheered him. "My son," he said, "I wish that I too could join Mahavir's order, but I am not so lucky. Now that you are so inspired, I will not stand in your way. I will be happy if you could clutch this opportunity, which I so regrettably cannot! It is an honor for our entire family.
Bhagwan admitted Prince Meghkumar into Sraman sangh and ordained him as Meghmuni. The newly ordained Meghmuni enjoyed his first day talking to other monks, joyously soaking in their experiences and listening to every word spoken by Mahavir. After a short study session late in the evening, it was time for everyone to retire for the night. Monks slept on the bare floor. Being the newest monk, Meghmuni was given a place on the floor closest to the entrance of the sleeping hall. The prince of the great kingdom, accustomed to a lavish soft bed, lay on a hard, cold floor in the doorway of an unlit hall.
It was a very difficult night for him. Meghmuni was turning and tossing all night, but his worst moments were when the monks on their way to heed nature's call, inadvertently kicked the young prince in the dark. This was unacceptable to the ego of the former prince. "I am the son of Emperor Shrenik. Everyone treated me lavishly and respectfully until only yesterday. These very monks used to address me with full respect. They showered me with sweet words before I joined this sangh. But now, they do not care for me, they even kick me! In the face of such indignities how can I live here? I will talk to Bhagwan in the morning and tell him, “I cannot stay in your order any more. I want to go home.' The young monk lay awake all night with these thoughts. Meghmuni,
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