Way of Life Part 3

Author(s): Bhadraguptasuri
Publisher: Vishvakalyan Prakashan Trust Mehsana

Page 73

DISCOURSE 53
61
Niralaji had a large number of friends because he was the very embodiment of courtesy, open-heartedness and generosity. They always used to be concerned about Niralaji. On account of his virtues, even his friends were praised and admired. People are praised and admired if they enjoy the friendship of noble
men.
THE GRATITUDE OF EMPEROR SAMPRATI
Just as courtesy is a great virtue, even gratitude is a lofty virtue. Not forgetting a benefaction that has been bestowed upon us; being grateful to a benefactor; and trying to do some good turn to a benefactor are indeed lofty virtues. The Emperor Samprati, the grand-son of Ashoka, the great was one day sitting in the parlour of his palace. He kept watching the movements and the gaiety of the people on the road. One who was going ahead of all was a Sadhu. He was a man of extraordinary intelligence and powers. Samrat Samprati kept watching him. He thought, "I have seen this great man somewhere. I know him; but I am unable to recollect where I have met him". There passed through his mind a stream of thoughts. Suddenly, he recollected his purvajanma (previous life). That means, he began to visualize his previous life. Suddenly, he shrieked: "Oh Gurudev !" At once, Samprati descended from his palace; and ran to the place where Acharya Suhasthi was standing and with his heart overflowing with devotion prostrated at his feet.
The tears of joy flowed from his eyes!
A tremendous ocean of devotion rolled in his heart. "Gurudev! Do you recognize me ?"
"Yes, son. I have recognized you. You are my disciple! in your previous life you were my disciple !"
"Gurudev kindly come into my palace. I want to speak to
you."
Acharyadev Suhasthi accompanied Samprati into the palace. Samprati bowed to the feet of the Gurudev with great love and devotion; and said: "Gurudev! On account of your supreme grace I have become a King and I have attained this