________________
Walk With Me
times did we try in vain to persuade Mahavir to break his fast, but he wouldn't. How did this ordinary dasi convince him?"
People made way for the royal couple to enter the house. There, seated on the floor in one corner, with face down and her glaze glued to the floor, was a raggedy young woman. Mrigavati did not recognize the woman at first, but was intrigued by the familiar face. She kept on staring at her, and as the woman looked up Mrigavati was shocked! "Vasumati?" Mrigavati almost screamed in disbelief, “My Vasu is that really you?" Tears rolled down the cheeks of both women. Mrigavati rushed to embrace her niece. It was an emotional reunion. Mrigavati took Chandanbala to the palace, where Chandanbala lived for the next two and half years until Mahavir achieved enlightenment."
"What a life!" Sudharma spoke with a hushed voice. “Ajja Chandana has endured enormous challenges, challenges which have shaped her strong personality. Her ordeals at such tender age have sensitized her to injustice, pain, and cruelty. She feels the agony of a woman trapped in the wheel of misfortune. No wonder she is so involved and active in looking after the interests and comfort of every sadhvi in her group. There is not a tinge of ego in her actions. She never treats anyone with contempt. She loves everyone and is rewarded with the affection and gratitude of all. Why would anyone have any complaints against her?
She understands human psychology so well that she is able to make everyone smile and feel special. She is so discreet that no one is able to understand her magic. Does anyone understand how the sun
44
Jain Education Interational
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org