________________
28
THE WAY OF LIFE
He said to the King, “Your Highness if you had revealed this matter to me, this calamity would not have occurred. There would not have been any need for my committing the sin of patricide. It is a fact that a large number of weapons are stored in an underground vault in our house. But, those weapons were made not to be used treacherously against you. They had been collected to be given as a present to you. My marriage was to take place. My father knew that you would visit our house at that time, and those weapons had been collected because my father wanted to give you a worthy presentation. My father had a great loyalty to you and to the Kingdom of Magadha and you know this very well”.
On hearing what Shriyak said, Nandaraja was greatly surprised and he was filled with sorrow and compunction. The king was in deep anguish for having lost the Chief Minister who was a man of integrity, intelligence and expert diplomacy. His regard for the Chief Minister's family was greatly increased. At once, he requested Shriyak to occupy the position of Chief Minister. Nandaraja did not know that Shriyak had an elder brother.
THE HONOUR OF SHRIYAK'S FAMILY IS TO BE REALISED
How great was the honour of Shriyak's family and how high was his birth! He did not accept the offer of the position of Chief Minister. He remembered his elder brother who had not come home for twelve years and who had not met his younger brother and sisters for twelve years. His behaviour had caused a stain on the Chief Minister's name and fame. The Chief Minister's son had been in the house of a courtezan for twelve years. Would this not affect the honour and the prestige of the Chief Minister ? Was Shriyak right in remembering such a brother as the person fit for the position of a Chief Minister ? Was Shriyak right in remembering his brother or not? What is your opinion ? Supposing Shriyak seeks your advice, what advice would you give him ? Let us suppose that he asks you, "You are intelligent men. Please tell me what I should do now.
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
