________________
386
PHILOSOPHY OF SOUL
One day his services were openly applauded by Indra in the assembly of Gods to incur the prejudice of one God who decided to test the sage Nandisena. We should note that even Gods entertain wrath, malice, prejudice or jealousy.
Gods can assume any form they desire in a moment. They can reach any spot in the wink of an eye. This God arrived at the outskirts of the village where the sage had halted and he assumed the forms of two monks. One of the monks was very old and diseased and the other was young. Both of them determined to test the "Vow of Servitude" of the Sage Nandisena.
It was the day on which the sage Nandisena had to break his fast. He was about to do so, after bringing alms by begging. There the young monk made his appearance and said: "Oh blessed one! There, by the outskirts of this village one very old monk ailing with dysentery is extremely thirsty and hungry, but you here commenced breaking your fast. Do you remember your vow?".
On hearing these words the sage instantaneously put off breaking his fast. He brought pure water by begging and reached the spot where the old monk stayed. Seeing Nandisena, the old monk at once raged with the word "Oh you wretch, I am lying down here ailing and you were so eager to break your fast? I condemn your "Vow of Servitude".
You organise many institutions and declare to serve people but how much do you feel offended and outraged to face criticism or a few bitter words. You resign with the words: "We are not your servants, we render honorary service and you offer us such bitter words. We no longer desire to continue in this institution as the members. We just now tender our resignation".
But the Sage Nandisena, was not a man to resign from his vow of servitude on hearing these words of anger. He had translated into his life virtues like forbearance, nobility, straightforwardness, non-avarice, purity, contentment, mercy etc. He, therefore, replied calmly: "Oh the best of the monks, kindly pardon my guilt. I will shortly attend to you. I have brought pure water with me".
He helped the old monk to drink water. He cleansed his clothes, his body and told him to sit. The old monk once more was highly
