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lal's parents had expired five years earlier, they went to stay with Chunibai's parents who lived in the neighboring village of Pavata. This was the land where they could relax and feel at home. They were elated here where all was unspoiled, natural, and simple. The wildflowers and shrubs were blossoming in vivid colors. The sounds of buffalo plodding along the dirt roads blending with the happy shouts of children and the sweet songs of birds made music to their ears and awakened in them a feeling of spontaneous joy.
They loved this land with all their heart, for they were also attuned to its unique quality. Rajputana, as Rajasthan used to be called, is a land of greatness. On its ancient soil are the Aravallis, mountains sacred to Jains, Hindus, and seekers from many religious disciplines. Pilgrimage places abound, and people who come here to meditate in the temples feel a flowing feeling, a universal dimension of consciousness, a calm and loving energy. They count themselves blessed by the many saints, masters, and spiritual aspirants who left a portion of the best and noblest in themselves whenever they came here to contemplate and teach.
Among the most beautiful of temples, all in white marble, are the Delwara Temples on the peaks of Mt. Abu, and the Temples of Ranakpur in the valley between two of its peaks. These temples were special to Rup-Raj's family as well. They liked to look up at the mountains from their little house in Pavata and feel refreshed by the life-giving vibrations coming from the temples which they knew were not far away. As they breathed in the cool crisp mountain air, they drank deeply of the elixir of pure peace. It was for this that Rup-Raj's family was eager and willing to travel more than fourteen hundred miles, sitting for many days in trains and camelcarts, to reach this land.
This was the auspicious beginning to a new lifetime for an eternally youthful soul. As Chunibai sang the ancient lullaby to her infant son, she planted deep within his being her loving adoration and the seed of a pure and unconditional love. Cradled.and nourished in this way irom the outset of life, Rup's spirit thrived, his body grew, and he knew the touch of peace.
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