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Once upon a time, there was a group of five hundred laborers who carried heavy loads. Among them, the strongest and most respected was Panchakhya, who was also their leader. Panchakhya possessed incredible strength and could carry immense weights on his head. The king admired him greatly and summoned him to express his appreciation.
During their meeting, the king instructed Panchakhya not to yield to anyone while leading his team on the road, whether it be an army, elephants, horses, chariots, or carts. The king held Panchakhya in high regard as a symbol of the dignity of labor. The king warned that anyone disobeying this order would face severe punishment. Panchakhya was thrilled and deeply honored by the king's recognition.
From that point on, Panchakhya proudly walked with his head held high, accompanied by his troupe of five hundred laborers. No one dared to cross their path, and everyone willingly made way for them. Everyone, including Panchakhya, had immense respect for the king's order, and no one ever thought of violating it.
One day, while Panchakhya and his laborers were entering a town with heavy loads, they encountered a group of Jain monks. Reflecting upon their way of life, Panchakhya realized that the burden they carried, which comprised the vows of non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, non-possession, and celibacy, was far greater than the physical weight he bore. Panchakhya decided to show respect to the monks by moving aside and allowing them to pass. His laborers followed suit.
However, some of the laborers disapproved of Panchakhya's gesture, reminding him that he had violated the king's command. The news reached the king, and Panchakhya was summoned to explain his actions.
Panchakhya reasoned, "Oh, king! These monks carry a far greater burden than I do. They observe the five difficult vows with great diligence. In contrast, I am a sinner burdened by acts of violence, accumulating sins without any liberation. Though I once attempted renunciation, I found it challenging to bear the weight of the five vows. It is easier for me to carry physical pots on my head than the weight of those vows. Considering the monks' burden to be heavier than mine, I showed them respect by giving way."
The king was astonished by Panchakhya's perspective and remarked, "How strange! These monks do not carry the kind of load that you do."
Panchakhya replied, "On the contrary, their burden is far greater than mine. They diligently observe the five great vows, each of which continuously purifies their lives. Additionally, each vow is accompanied by five deep reflections, meaning the monks carry the weight of twenty-five contemplations. Bearing such a heavy load is genuinely challenging."
Intrigued, the king inquired, "Why did you give up the five great vows of non-violence, truthfulness, celibacy, non-stealing, and non-possession? These vows can be easily observed."
To this, Panchakhya responded, "It is difficult to relinquish the attachments to wealth, desire, and power, and embrace a life of restraint and self-denial."
Upon hearing Panchakhya's words, the king made the decision to renounce the world and observe the five great vows. Panchakhya, while not becoming a Jain monk himself, succeeded in inspiring others, including the king, to embark on the path of renunciation. By adhering to an ethical code, Panchakhya earned a remarkable reputation for himself.
