________________
Reminiscences of past life
Gnyan i, e, reminiscences of her previous life and she narrated things of her past life in India which were in his knowledge. Mr. Gandhi's revelation was not only a matter of surprise and admiration but it made a very deep impression on my mind as regards the magical effect of such divine Mantras. Naturally I longed to see such a phenomenon before my eyes and my desire was fulfilled after a period of some 15 years.
THE FOND HOPES OF A GREAT-GRAND-MOTHER.
Some thirty years ago, the grand old lady, of hallowed memory, had formed good many plans to celebrate the birth of a great-grand-son but all her hopes were frustrated by the birth of a female child. That she may have the good luck to see a great-grand-son before she expired was her ardent desira. As Cowper says:-“ Hope deferred maketh the heart sick but when it cometh it is a tree of life. "A ray of hope fortunately shone some four years after the first event.
NAMING OF THE BABY BEFORE BIRTH
It was in the holy week of Paryusan when the religious proclivities of the family ran high that the grand old lady having performed Pooja and having listened the sacred sermon wherein sound advice was offered for the conduct of the woman in a family way, summoned all the members of her family and addressed them fondly:-“ you all are awara how my fervent desire to ascend a golden staircase some four years back was shattered by the birth of a great-grand-daughter. Since then I have been always praying for the birth of a great-grand-son and I trust my sincere prayer will bear fruit now in four or five months.
hall be glad to know your views regarding the name of the baby in case a son is born to my grand-daughter-in-law.”
Before the elders could reach a solution, a young girl aged about ten, slowly and silently stealing from the congregation, approached the old lady, sat in her lap and with a smiling face solemnly declared:-- “ According to our custom the birth of a son to my sister-in-law should be celebrated by your ascending the golden staircase specially prepared for the happy occasion and giving it away for charitable purposes. Relations and friends should be entertained and sweets distri
.: 174 ::
[ Shree Atmaramji
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org