Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
by Helen M. Johnson | 1931 | 742,503 words
This page describes Vasupujya’s childhood which is the sixth part of chapter II of the English translation of the Vasupujya-caritra, contained within the “Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra”: a massive Jain narrative relgious text composed by Hemacandra in the 12th century. Vasupujya in jainism is one of the 63 illustrious beings or worthy persons.
Part 6: Vāsupūjya’s childhood
Vasupūjya held a festival, like the sun its rising, making the minds of the people expand like lotuses. On an auspicious day Vasupūjya and Queen Jayā gave the Lord of the World the appropriate name, Vāsupūjya. The Master grew by means of nectar put in his thumb by Śakra. Nurses were nurses because of other duties, since they do not suckle the Arhats. The Supreme Lord grew up, cherished by five nurses appointed by Vāsava, who accompanied him like a shadow. The Lord passed his childhood, playing games suitable for children with gods, asuras, and princes who had become his companions. They played at times with divine balls made of jewels and gold; at times with pegs[1] set with diamonds, sometimes with tops whirling like bees; sometimes by climbing myrobalan trees and making bets with each other; sometimes they amused themselves by racing, by hiding, by jumping, by leaping up;[2] at other times by swimming, by shouting, by boxing, and wrestling.
Footnotes and references:
[1]:
The ordinary meaning of śaṅkulā is ‘betel-scissors,’ but this is so unsuitable here that perhaps it is a derivative of śaṃku, ‘a stick’ or ‘peg,’ used in a child’s game. In Guj. -lo is a diminutive suffix.
[2]:
Apparently ‘broad jumps’ and ‘high jumps.’