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THE WAY OF LIFE
MADANREKHA RECEIVED INITIATION INTO THE LIFE OF A SADHVI
Madanrekha looked towards the god, Yugabahu. She was deeply absorbed in contemplation. She said, "I do not have any desire now to see my son. You have told me that he is well. That is enough for me. Now, in my heart there are no desires for worldly happiness. My only wish is to seek the noble refuge of these Sadhvijis. I wish to achieve self-realisation and spiritual elevation by leading a life of austerity and discipline.
On hearing this, the god, Yugabahu saluted Madanrekha and went away to the heavenly world. Madanrekha received initiation into the charitradharma. (The life of austerity and spiritual endeavour). After becoming a Sadhvi, she assumed the name of Suvratha. Sadhvi Suvratha began to perform severe spiritual austerities. She became deeply immersed in spiritual austerities in order to attain spiritual elevation. Her heart began to overflow with grace and compassion for all jivas. The life of a Sadhvi implies a life that can bestow the boon of fearlessness on all jivas. It is a life that abounds in amity for all jivas.
MADANREKHA'S SON BECAME THE KING OF MITHILA
Padmaratha, the king of Mithila, named Madanrekha's son, Nami because after the child entered the palace, many kings bowed their heads and saluted the feet of the king. (Namah means salutation) and surrendered themselves to him. The King made Nami highly accomplished in Shastras (scriptural learning) and in astras (the skill of using various weapons). He became a master of these branches of knowledge and skill. When Namikumar came of age, the kind celebrated his marriage with one thousand and eight beautiful princesses. The prince was leading his life in the lap of luxury and felicity. The king, Padmaratha decided to spend the remainder of his life in spiritual endeavours that would enable him to achieve spiritual welfare. He crowned Namikumar, king of the country; and he received initiation into Charitradharma or a life of austerity
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