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To a Jaina Nun
LEONA SMITH KREMSER
My dear, indeed did this frail one At that state whose only possession was permission Forty-five days endure without fruit and seed Nor even tender drop upon the grass And two days after yield the breath.
All the while the universe not thus wise In keeping to repose amid objects Love and hatred for the cause deceiving Still, under sway of that reed ot constancy Came forth as universal penitence.
The gods bowed down beside the earth While there a hushed voice was overheard “Ago and away, was her name Surabhi ?” My dear, indeed at that hour that will never return To all living beings, the very dust gave fragrance.
Ref : "Last Journey”, Pages 84, Jain Journal, October, 1968.
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