Sadhvi Vishrut Vibha
Importance Of Samayika
Puniya, a religious devotee of Mahavira lived in Rajgriha. He led a very religious life, was very moral, but not very rich. He was satisfied with his life as it was.
Puniya used to perform a “Samayik” daily. He was always in a state of equanimity. Even Lord Mahavira was impressed by him and used to talk about his stringent behavior in his religious discourse.
One day King Shrenik came to know that after death he would have to spend his life in hell. He became very disturbed and wanted to find a solution, so he went to Lord Mahavira and asked, “Tell me how I can change my destiny. Lord Mahavira knew in his heart, that it could not be changed. But on the contrary to satisfy the King Shrenik, he replied, “Shrenik, there is just one single solution that can prevent you from going to hell, and that is, if you are able to buy only one Samayik of Puniya.” Hearing that the king was very happy as he thought it was very easy to buy a single Samayik from Puniya.
Ext morning, the king went to the house of Puniya. Puniya was very much pleased to see the king coming to his house. But a constant thought came to his mind as to why the king had come to his house, and he thought that it must be something very important and urgent.
After some preliminary talk, the king came directly to the point and asked him, “Puniya, do you practice Samayik daily?”
When the answer was positive, the king started cajoling Puniya by saying, “As you have performed a number of Samayikas in your life and are still performing them, is it possible for you to give me a single Samayik?” At this Puniya said to him, “How can that be possible?” Hearing this, the king replied, “You don’t have to worry or feel scared, as I will not snatch it, I will pay you a reasonable amount for it.” Being satisfied, Puniya said, “Whatever is mine, is because of you and it will be a great opportunity for me to serve you. But it is just not possible to decide about its cost as it is a matter of spirituality and is invaluable. You have to consult Lord Mahavira for this, other than him nobody else can decide.” Hearing this the king went straight to Lord Mahavira for consultation over the matter. Reaching Mahavira’s congregate, the King narrates the whole story and said, “You are my savior, and you please tell me how much I should pay to Puniya for a Samayik.”
Listening to the King’s problem, the Lord smiled for a moment and said, “I knew this from the very beginning that Samayikas cannot be bought, but just to satisfy you I told you to go to Puniya. The actual price of just one Samayik is much more than all your property and kingdom. You have to accept the fact that to go to hell is your destiny.”
