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Engrossed in contemplation in his palace, Parshva Kumar heard the trumpet. He was startled. He stood up and asked his attendant—"What is the matter? Why all of a sudden this sound of war-trumpets ?”
The attendant—“Sire! There is an order to prepare for war.”
Parshva Kumar came to his father and asked after greetings—“Father! What is the matter? What demon, devil or evil person has offended you so much that you are preparing for a war ?"
After telling the story of king Prasenjit, king Ashvasen added—“Son! Isn't it our duty as kings to help the tormented and oppose injustice ?"
Parshva Kumar—"Father ! Indeed, it is true. Not to oppose injustice is also injustice; it is unethical and cowardly."
"Son ! That is why I have sounded the war trumpet." Parshva Kumar—"But is it right that a father goes to war when a young son is available ? Does it speak good of the son ?"
S. ML
40
BHAGAVAN PARSHVA NAATH
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