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In the streets of Polaspur, a six year old child named Aimutta was playing with a few friends. He was the son of King Vijay and Queen Shrimati. While playing around, he saw a monk, Gautamswami, bare-foot and bald, who was out getting alms (food). Aimutta ran to him and invited him to come to his home to get food, which would make his mother and him happy. Gautamswami agreed and they left to go to the castle. Aimutta's mother, Queen Shrimati was standing in the balcony overlooking the garden. She saw Gautamswami and Aimutta coming to her place. She was very happy and came down to receive Gautamswami. She welcomed him with full devotion and uttered, "Mathaenam Vandami (my salutation to you)." She introduced Gautamswami as a staunch disciple of Lord Mahavir to Aimutta. She asked Aimutta to go and get his favorite food to offer to Gautamswami. Aimutta brought ladoos and started pouring them in a pot even though Gautamswami said he didn't need that many. Aimutta was so happy offering food to the monk.
As Gautamswami started leaving, Aimutta said, "Your bag is heavy, let me carry it for you." Gautamswami said, "Aimutta, I cannot give it to you, because it can only be carried by those who have taken diksha." Aimutta asked, "What is diksha?" Gautam Swami explained to him that when someone wants to take a spiritual path he must give up his house, family, and all other social and economic ties. Then he becomes a monk, and this process is called diksha. People take diksha to avoid the himsa (violence) that occurs in householder's life. In that kind of living, people are involved in various activities every minute which cause to accumulate karmas. On the other hand, a monk don't do those things. Thus monks and nuns can avoid most of the sinful activities of householders.
Aimutta became curious and asked, "Gurudev, you do not do sins! But don't you need to eat? Don't you need a place to live? All these cause sins." Gautamswami was pleased with the child's interest to learn, so he explained, "We take food, but we do not accept food which is made especially for us. We stay in a place, but we do not own it, and we do not stay there for more than a few days. We do not keep money, and we do not take part in business or any organizations. This way as a monk, we do not have to do any activities which cause sins. Aimutta said, "Gurudev, in that case, I want to take diksha."
In a short time, Aimutta and Gautamswami reached where Lord Mahavir was giving sermon. Aimutta joined others to listen to his teachings. In that sermon, Aimutta learned what the life is all about and what one can do if he or she wanted to be relieved of this worldly sufferings. Aimutta once again expressed his desire to accept diksha to Lord Mahavir. Lord Mahavir said, "We cannot give you diksha without your parents' permission". Aimutta replied, "That is easy, I will go home and get their permission and come back."
So Aimutta went home. He told his mother, "Mom, I want to take diksha. Remember you used to say that our social life is full of violence, and causes sins? Gautamswami and Lord Mahavir also said the same. I want to be free of sins. Therefore, please give me permission to take diksha."
Rest of the story will be published in next newsletter. Stay tuned to know if Aimutta’s mother permitted him to take Diksha or not.
