Page 44 - Courage Redifined

Jineshwardev’s Jainism ? Don't you feel, “Is my soul
really a slave of these senses and the joys of taste,
touch, sight, etc. that they offer ? Does my soul have
any standing or command or does it always obey these
arrogant senses and the temporary pleasures that they
have to offer ?

(D) How much command did King Kumarpal have over
his senses and its attractions ? He did Ekashanas* for
the 4 months of monsoon wherein he refrained from 5
vigais* and green vegetables. Why so many restrictions ?
Because he saw abundant sins and troubles in being
greedy. We are talking about a man who lived in this
era. If you want to glorify religion in your life, then take
King Kumarpal as your role model, your idol.

King Kumarpal’s sister’s love for religion :

(E) Now let’s see one more instance of king Kumarpal’s
victory over greed. Kumarpal’s sister was playing
chopat* with her husband, King Arnoraja. While playing,
he mischievously said “Hit the Mundiya*, hit him.” The
queen immediately replied, “Do not speak like this. The
word ‘Mundiya’ makes mischief of a Jain Sadhu. Jain
Sadhus are my brother’s Guru. You will have to pay
a heavy price if he becomes aware of your folly.”The
king turned red with anger and said, “Go ahead, hit that
bald one. What can your brother do ? I made him the
king.”

The queen replied, “Do not challenge him. Do you really want

* Ekashanas - Having food once a day
* Vigais - Milk, curd, ghee, oil, sugar and fried items are the 6 vigais.
* Chopat - an old traditional game
* Mundiya - A person who is bald

34 Courage Redefined