Chitrabhanu Man with Vision

Author(s): Clare Rosenfield
Publisher: Jain Meditation International Centre New York

Page 40

condition grew worse. He missed three days of school.
He did not feel like teaching again until his friends and family members told him, "Come now! You've had a good rest! There's nothing wrong with you! Now it's time to bring out your usual vigor and stamina.”
His mischievous students paid him a visit, sheepishly admitting to him, “Sir, we've missed you very much. You must come back as soon as possible. Our class is not the same without you, and now you look rested and healthy."
Everyone's loving interest buoyed him up. As a result, his health immediately began to improve.
The pranksters saw the serious consequences of what had seemed like a harmless plot, and remained in a subdued state for the time being. For Rup, it was a chance to catch a glimpse of the close relationship between mind and body.
Only one small doubt was introduced into his mind. What happened? It grew as fast as a weed, and turned into a seed for illness. How it happened I don't know, but surely this mind has a powerful influence on our body. If I'm ever tempted to influence someone again, I'd better be sure to plant only the healthiest thoughts. I don't want to be a cause for anyone's weakness or illness.
Despite Rup's resolve to resist influences and influencing, he remained open and gullible, sometimes at quite a costly price. The first instance of this was a small one. One day he was on his way to school when a man stopped him on the street.
"Hello, young man! Would you like to see your name in golden ink? I will write it for you on your pen."
“You have golden ink?” Rup asked. “Yes, I would love to see my name in golden ink!"
"Then hand over your pen to me and wait while I write your name on it,” the man told him. “What is your name?"
Rup in his pride gave the man his full long name, “Rup Rajendra Shah!”
“Very well, wait a few minutes and I will engrave it on your pen.” The man carved Rup's name onto the pen, handed it to Rup and claimed his rupees.
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