Atmatatva Vichar Or Philosophy Of Soul

Author(s): Vijaylakshmansuri, Ghanshyam Joshi, Kirtivijay Gani
Publisher: Mohanlal D Mehta

Page 29

PHILOSOPHY OF SOUL
(Shravaka) which form the very basis of Right knowledge. While seeking permission to leave, he requested Acharya shree, “Oh, Lord, the city Shvetambika is very pleasant, charming and beautiful. Please pay a visit and oblige.”
Chitra, the charioteer requested twice or thrice and Acharya shree replied, "Oh Chitra, it is not safe to stay in a forest haunted by fierce animals. Similarly it is not advisable to visit a city governed by a cruel monarch."
Chitra said, “Oh master, the beloved of God, you are not concerned with The King Predeshi. Many wealthy and rich persons stay in the capital. They will pay you their homages and will serve you by offering abundant provisions and such other means. Your visit shall mean great obligation. Please do pay a visit.”
On realising persistent and polite invitation of Chitra, Acharya Shree replied, "As the circumstances shall permit.” On such occasions holy monks do not use decisive expressions as it is difficult to know where and when the force of circumstances shall lead them. If they affirmed and could not go, they might be guilty of telling lies; and the rumours might prevail that even such great men tell lies and this is not desirable under any circumstance.
But Chitra could realise as least from Acharya's gesture that some day he would certainly visit Shvetambika. So he reached Shvetambika and calling the officers in-charge of parks said, "Oh, good fellows, Keshikumar of Parshvanatha succession, moving from place to place is likely to arrive hereover. When he arrives, you pay homages—bow down to him. Permit him to stay and invite him to receive the stage, the platform etc. Thereafter, inform me about his arrival".
After a few days, the officer of the park delivered good news to Chitra, "Oh the fountain-head of intelligence, Shri Keshi, the leader of the monks, patient, heroic, unrivalled, liberal, unattached, passive and the master of fourfold knowledge has arrived in the park along with the band of his disciples."
On hearing this good news the chief secretary's heart overflew with joy and he relieved the officer of the park after awarding him affectionate gifts sufficient for life maintenance. Thereafter, he took bath, dressed himself with clean garments and having decorated