Page 43 - Courage Redifined

He was crowned as the king at the age of 55 and was not a
direct heir of King Siddaraj. Thus, some small kings revolted
against him. It took him 15 years to overcome them which
means that he was 70 years old when he became the Emperor
of 18 States. After that, his one and only beloved queen
passed away. His ministers told him, “Get married again. A
couple is necessary at auspicious events. Thus a new queen
is essential.”

You know what king Kumarpal did ? He overcame this
greed too. He had finally attained the opportunity to enjoy
a luxurious, royal life at this age but he did not get married
again. He told his ministers, “During such auspicious occasion
keep a golden statue of my ex- queen besides me. In this way,
both our problems will be solved.” Now think, when did he
acquire material comforts and when did he accept complete
celibacy ?

When did you acquire a good worldly life ? Have you
accepted complete celibacy now ?

(C) Not only this but even when his wife was alive, after
becoming a Shravaka, King Kumarpal practiced complete
celibacy for the 4 months of monsoon. His oath was so
strong that even if he broke his vow by mere thoughts,
he would fast without food for 1 day. He suppressed
his desires for sensual pleasures to a great extent. If the
Emperor of 18 states is required to do so, what is our
duty ? If we have luxuries and comforts, why not enjoy
them optimally ? Is there any need for restrictions ? No
one is present to question or stop us. Are you going to
be satisfied ? Haven't you seen such pleasures in the
previous births ? How much is the attraction of such
happiness ? To what extent is the addiction of such
sensual pleasures ? And that too after acquiring Lord

Greed - The Root of all Evil 33