Atmatatva Vichar Or Philosophy Of Soul

SR No.: 023322
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Vijaylakshmansuri, Ghanshyam Joshi, Kirtivijay Gani
Publisher: Mohanlal D Mehta
Publication Year: 1963
Total Pages: 568
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 39 MB

Page 114

PHILOSOPHY OF SOUL
91
"Why don't you obey the worshippers ? Eat now to spare your life, or else I shall break open thy head with this hammer". At the appearance of Yaksha, the worshippers hailed with great joy but Keshava was much perplexed. He could not decide his course of action. He had only two courses open, namely sparing life at the cost of religious vow or sparing the vow at the cost of life. Keshava with great fortitude declared his resolve that Yaksha could do his worst and he would not eat anything at all.
Now Yaksha procured the presence of Keshava's preceptor who initiated him to this vow. His preceptor also tried to persuade him to eat and thereby to save the life of many worshippers. But Keshava reflected with all wisdom "It was not possible for my Guru to persuade me to eat as he was the person to initiate me to such a sacred vow. Certainly there is some fraud".
Keshava remained silent but Yaksha warned him that he would kill his Guru along with him. Yaksha hurled the hammer and struck it on Guru-who cried piteously. Keshava also was much suspicious at this occurrence as he knew well that his Guru was powerful enough not to be overpowered by any demon or any material force.
Finally Yaksha rushed to Keshava with all fury, hurling his hammer and said: "Now reap the consequences of thy impudence". Keshava remained steady with no perturbance. To great surprise and wonder Yaksha and the worshippers disappeared and some very glorious God presented himself on the spot. He said : "Keshava, this is all divine illusion, I am much pleased with you to see your firmness in your solemn vow. I therefore grant you three boons. Firstly, you will be installed as a king on the seventh day. Secondly, you can cure anyone of any incurable disease by sprinkling water with which you would wash any limb of your body and thirdly you will fulfil your wish which you might entertain sincerely”. Thereafter the God vanished.
On the next day Keshava entered the city and broke his fast there. After six days he was sleeping at a particular open place. Now the King of the city died heirless. According to the custom, the heir to the throne was to be chosen by sending a cow-elephant with a pitcher on the trunk. The cow-elephant roamed in the city and sprinkled the water on Keshava who was asleep. Consequently