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wisdom. Men, with their possessiveness, shall destroy the mother earth too! Who will convince them that this air, water, and earth are all living systems? “Treat them with respect and dignity", you told us, “man shall misuse them at his own peril.” Who shall explain to them the virtues of Aparigraha (minimizing possessiveness)?
Bhagwant, I got the news of your nirvana as soon as I returned from Devsharma's home. Your departure has plunged the earth in to even more darkness on this moonless night. People are lighting lamps* to illuminate their path, but will they remember your path to true enlightenment? When I got the news I cried like a small child. How can I help that? Bhagwant, I remember your promise that "our souls will be equal upon leaving these bodies.” How is that possible now? You have already achieved nirvana, and I am still trapped in this samsara all alone. I am alone! Bhagwant, I am alone without you!
You are a kevali (omniscient) ... Certainly you knew that you were to depart tonight. Yet you sent me away at such a crucial moment! Why? Just to leave me alone on this earth? I was carefully listening to each of your discourses. Wasn't I paying enough attention? You knew that this was to be your last sermon! Yet you asked me to leave to help out Devasharma Brahmin.
** This is the basis of the Jain tradition of 'Deepavali', the festival of lighting the lamps on Mahavir Nirvana Day, the new moon night (Amavasya) of the month of Kartik.
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