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154
JAINA STORIES
your own has been bestowed by me. So, you see, good man,. where you and your religion Stand In such a situation, how do I accept your contention that religion is the giverof the greatest prosperity ?"
The king added in the end.
"If religion really leads to happiness, I want a proof of - It You go from here to some unknown land empty-handed. There you will realise how much religion helps you. If you come back with affluence and influence, then I shall accept your stand as correct "
The minister at once accepted the challenge and prepared to depart. He moved out without taking anything with him He was on a long and uncertain trek using his legs alıke during the day as well as the night He would not rest even in the stillness of the night, He came across a demon in a forest who was hungry for seven days The demon jumped on him, but the minister did not lose bis nerves Rather, in a tone full of affection, he said, “Oh beloved of the gods I am at thy service If my body satisfies thy hunger, I shall deem it to be a great good fortune on my part But I have one submission to make to thee I am out on an urgent mission If thou helpeth me in its fulfilment, I shall return to thee at once and await thy pleasure”
The demon was hungry but the minister's words cast a spell on him So he released him and the minister resumed his journey It was the very early hour of the dawn when the minister reached a park outside a city. There he saw a temple dedicated to Lord Risabha, and so he stopped there and worshipped the Lord The guard of the temple was a g'aksa named Kapardı. He was. greatly impressed by the minister's devotion When the minister had completed his worship and prayer, the paksa offered him a wish-fulfilling pitcher named Kamaghata and. explained to him its speciality.
| SR No. | 011052 |
| Book Title | Jain Stories 01 |
| Original Sutra Author | N/A |
| Author | Mahendramuni, K C Lalwani |
| Publisher | A B Jain Shwetambar Terapanth Samaj |
| Publication Year | 1976 |
| Total Pages | 209 |
| Language | English |
| Classification | Book_English |
| File Size | 9 MB |