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THE WAY OF LIFE
daughter, son-in-law, children etc. How can she cross the ocean of Samsar ? How can she become a Sadhvi (a mendicant) ?"
His father's words pleased Aryarakshit. He thought : "If my father who is ensnared in illusion becomes spiritually awakened, his soul will become brightened and enlightened. My mother, of course, is enlightened. It is only on account of her punya (merit) that I have found the path of Moksha".
Aryarakshit looked towards his mother; and said : "Oh revered mother! What my father has said is worthy of being pondered over. He thinks that you cannot be persuaded to see the truth; but I believe and know that you are a great ocean of knowledge and wisdom. You possess the radiance of enlightenment. You are the very embodiment of spiritual strength. It is on account of your grace that I could attain some knowledge of Drishtivad. It is on account of your grace that I have attained this path of Moksha; and it is on account of your grace that I could meet and benefit from such mighty masters and seers as Vajraswami who possess mastery over ten Poorvas; and who are treasure-houses of divine powers".
"Oh revered mother! Sunanda, the mother of Vajraswami is indeed blessed for having given birth to such a son as resembles a diamond. When the son kept weeping, she gave him away to the Muniraj when the child was six months old. When the child was in his mother's womb, his father became a mendicant. Upto the age of three years, he was in an upashraya in the care of Sadhvijis. Later, Sunanda insisted on taking back her son, but Vajraswami insisted upon his staying with the Gurudev. The King gave his judgement : "Vajra shall stay with his Gurudev".
I believe that as a mother you are greater than Sunanda; you sent me to Acharya Thosaliputra. You bestowed upon me an invaluable benefaction".
The mother said : "Dear son! Your father who is plainhearted is speaking the truth. Actually, I am feeling grieved and restless in taking care of the affairs of the family. How
can I take great vows and carry them out ? But I have boundless Jain Education International For Private & Personal Use Only
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