Threads of Affection

Summary

Ardrakakumāra, prince of the island Ardaka, longs to meet his friend Abhayakumāra of Magadha. To express his affection he sends precious gifts and a letter. Abhayakumāra reciprocates by sending a small casket containing a mysterious spiritual emblem and a heartfelt letter. On reading it Ardrakakumāra’s love deepens, but royal duties and his father’s reluctance prevent him from travelling openly. Impatient, he secretly leaves his island, takes a horse and boat and reaches Rājagṛha disguised as a monk. Resting in Vasapurā he witnesses young girls playing a game in which they pretend pillars are their husbands. When Srimatī, daughter of a merchant, opens her eyes she sees the handsome monk and immediately chooses him as her spouse in her mind. He silently departs. Years later, when she comes of age, Srimatī refuses all suitors and confesses to her mother that she will marry only the unknown monk or remain unmarried. Her parents eventually consent to her wish. After much time Ardrakakumāra returns as a monk seeking alms. Srimatī recognises him and begs him to accept her. Moved by her steadfast love, he marries her. They have a son and live happily, yet the prince’s yearning for spiritual practice resurfaces. He decides to renounce the world again, leaving his family grieving. Srimatī accepts his resolve but continues to spin threads to support herself and her child. When he prepares to depart their young son binds his father’s feet with twelve loops of thread and innocently declares that the threads will prevent him from moving. Touched by this simple gesture, Ardrakakumāra postpones his renunciation for twelve years to raise his son. After fulfilling his duties he returns to Bhagavān Mahāvīra and takes initiation. The story illustrates how the delicate ties of affection can be stronger than iron chains and how fulfilment of family obligations strengthens spiritual resolve.