Atmatatva Vichar Or Philosophy Of Soul

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

Page 54

PHILOSOPHY OF SOUL
31
hasty when you are angry, think of the consequences." With some thoughts, sometime passed away and fury of his anger also receded. He again set to thinking, “This minister's conduct is righteous so he is very popular with my subjects. His sudden destruction might create great agitation and excitement among the people and it would be difficult even for me to stay in my state. I should, therefore, prove his guilt by summoning the assassins who killed him. I would certainly know the facts from them." Under the King's orders the soldiers at once proceeded on horseback to arrest the accused persons absconding fast on foot. Very soon they were caught hold of, and produced before the king. From them he realised that the minister did not conspire to kill the barber, but he was at a loss to know why the chiefs should try to do away with the minister. On deliberation he realised that these feudal King's path of autocratic movements was obstructed by the minister who always strived for the welfare of the entire kingdom. The king repented for entertaining the plan to kill the minister who in fact was his well-wisher and real benefactor of the state. Now the king thought of the minister with very high esteem and resolved to beg his pardon and give back the ring to him. He proceeded towards the residence of the minister with the sword unsheathed at it was.
Now the minister seated in Poshaha (Religious observance) saw the king rushing to him with the naked sword. He was now sure that the king was rushing to him with an intent to kill him. He least thought the king was approaching to beg his pardon and to pay his regards. The minister spoke to his soul (To himself), “Oh Soul, you died so many times before but died actuated with delusions or any other cause. But you never died being absorbed in religious rites or for the sacred cause of religion. This is a unique opportunity for you to die for the sacred cause of religion. Think of the king as your friend and not as your enemy. He is only an instrumental cause of the fruits of your own actions. Why should you be at all displeased or angry with him ? O Soul, enjoy peace, religion is only thy saviour. Why fear of death ? Only a sinful or unchaste man fears death. You are neither a sinner nor unchaste then why worry for death ?”
The minister thus preached his soul. - In the meantime the king arrived, sheathed his sword, paid his respects to the minister and