________________
184
THE WAY OF LIFE
the virtue of seriousness cannot carry out their duties towards their children in a proper manner.
The personalities of the parents can bloom into nobility only on account of these four virtues. The parents who possess these four virtues can lay an excellent foundation for the development of the personalities of their children. They can secure welfare for themselves and for others. In the Dharma of Shraman Bhagwan Mahaveer, there have been countless parents possessing those great virtues and who secured supreme welfare and felicity for themselves and for their children. Today, I will narrate to you the story of such a noble family.
A HISTORICAL STORY
There was a city called Dashpur, in the Kingdom of Malwa. Udayan was the King of that city. Somadeva was the courtpriest. Rudrasoma was Somadeva's wife. Now, I will narrate the story of the family of Somadeva and Rudrasoma. This is not a fictitious story; but a historical story. This is a story that took place in this age. It is a very interesting story. This story illustrates how parents who are virtuous and intelligent, can enable their children to attain spiritual elevation and progress in their life.
Somadev was a brahmin who lived according to the principles of the Vaidik tradition but he was extremely tolerant towards other religions. Rudrasoma was a pious Shravika who believed in the Jain tradition. Each carried out his or her spiritual austerities in accordance with his or her faith. They went to their respective temples and recited their respective mantras. They did not condemn each other; they did not criticize each other; nor did they object to each other's ways. How lofty and dignified they were; and how generous they were !
LET LOVE RISE LIKE A CLOUD AND POUR DOWN LIKE RAIN!
Somadev was a greatly honoured court-priest. He was a great scholar; yet he was absolutely humble and simple in his
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
