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Munishree began to realize that his father was a living example of this stanza. He had always admired him for his high-minded principles and gentle manner with others. But he saw that he had been equally strong in his personal life as well. He remembered a story his father had told him about a moment in his life when he had been put to the test. It happened two years after he had lost his dear Chunibai. At times a heavy loneliness used to settle on him and he would long for the companionship of his departed loving wife. He had told his son this poignant example from his life.
"One day I left you and Magi in the care of Aunt Gajara. I had to go to Bangalore to buy some new colored cloths. I stayed overnight in a guest house. That evening a lovely young woman was sent to my room. She was hired by the guest house to take care of anything I might request. She poured me a drink of water and offered to give me a massage.
"I told her, 'No, my daughter, thank you, just let me be in peace. Go now.' She was as innocent in heart as she was young years. It was her job to sleep upon the mat outside the door to my room.
"In the middle of the night, she woke herself up to ask, 'Sir, have you need of anything? I will gladly give you whatever you ask.'
"Again I had to tell her, 'Thanks, dear child, please go out and let me sleep. There is nothing I need.'
"I responded as my honor told me, and deep within my heart was the true love of my wife. I bowed before the Arihantānam to overcome any inner temptation. I repeated 'Aum Namo Arihantānam' until I felt myself merging with all the Conquerors from all times and places. I envisioned the lives of those who had mastered their senses and the mind. The life of Mahavir inspired me. I glimpsed a state which was sheer inner bliss.
"In the morning I got up joyful and lighthearted. I felt such a clean and subtle feeling, a silent ecstasy. From that moment on, there was no regret, no turning back. I saw that love could be sifted out from lust. I became eager to return to you children and pour upon you my purified and boundless love.' Munishree came to understand more and more that the
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