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Our Protection in an Unprotected World
23
I applied sandalwood paste especially and now I see it has worked.' And the doctor thought, ‘My medicine is working now. Another came and said, 'I gave roots and now the juice from them is working on him.' Everyone was ready to take credit for my improvement.
"In the afternoon, when I opened my eyes, everyone started to tell me what they were thinking. I told them, “Thank you for what you have done for me. I appreciate your care and your help and your feelings. But let me tell you the truth: in this world when a person becomes protectionless, there is nevertheless one protection: the Higher Self.'
"I connected to that invisible inner force, which is always there, and ultimately I became in tune with it. My mind which was creating so many turbulent thoughts became calm. In the state of calmness, I merged into that pure state, and I thought, 'I take protection of all the Perfect Souls who became pure consciousness. I associate with their vibrations. I take refuge in the Conquerors of inner weaknesses. I join myself with the Saints of the universe wherever they are. And I merge in that Teaching of Dharma, that flow which comes from the compassion, love, and deep peace of the Omniscient Ones.
“That turned into medicine. It became a soothing balm for my consciousness.”
Then Bimbisara asked, “What did you do then?”
“After that," the monk continued, "when I became well, I decided to take another path. I left my prosperous life. I have taken the path of the unprotected. That is why I am Anatha, without any worldly resort or master. But if you want to know the spiritual master, it is Arihanta Mahavir."
“Who is Mahavir?" asked the king. “Sir, fifteen miles from here, in your town of Raja