Lay Followers
Maun Ekadashi: Suvrat Sheth
मौन एकादशी: सुव्रत सेठ · મૌન એકાદશી: સુવ્રત શેઠ
A merchant who kept silent while thieves came and the city burned
- 5 min full story
- 2 min children's telling
- For all ages
- Shvetambar telling
Krishna asks Neminath which single day of the year is the most precious for a vow, and Neminath answers with the story of Suvrat, a merchant whose day of silence was tested by thieves, by fire, and finally by a blow.
What it teaches Silence Steadfastness Forgiveness
The opening of the children's telling
Long ago, King Krishna asked the wise teacher Neminath, 'Which day is the most special day of the whole year?' Neminath smiled and said, 'Maun Ekadashi. Maun means silence. On that day, we keep very quiet and think good thoughts.' Then he told a story.
There was once a merchant named Suvrat. Every year, on Maun Ekadashi, he and his family did not eat, did not talk, and sat very calmly, thinking of the Tirthankaras.
Read the whole story See plans
To carry into the day
True silence is a steady heart, not only a quiet mouth.
To talk about together
Suvrat stayed calm even when things were frightening. What helps you feel calm when something worries you?
Retold for JainStory from the traditional narrative and checked against published Jain sources. Details vary between tellings.