________________
beyond this world of ever-changing forms. Soul alone transcends the pains and sorrows of existence.
The proceedings were not yet over. After this flash of insight, his mind moved in a different direction. Rites and rituals, symbols of religious devotion came to tempt him. A rosary appeared in his hands, and his nimble fingers began playing over the sandalwood beads. As he touched each bead, to his bewilderment, it slipped off the string and was swallowed up by the dark abyss below him.
The truth of impermanence shone clearly before him.
Nothing is mine! Nothing is thine! Deep within his being he understood and accepted a non-verbal vow of aparigraha, the principle of non-possessiveness with regard to both persons and things.
· The burden of karmas manifesting as illness suddenly lifted. A beautiful vision, an image of his pure Self, came to him. It was indescribable, and yet in these words of John Milton, there is a resonance which complements his experience:
“Methought I saw my late espoused Saint Came vested all in white, pure as her mind; Her face was veiled, yet to my fancied sight, Love, sweetness, goodness in her person shin'd So clear as in no face with more delight.”
Again the voice from within, “Leave all! Leave all for
me!”
He felt, he knew, he thrilled. His heart leapt for joy to embrace the call to service. His mind was now becalmed. From his soul, full and rejoicing, a song of triumph flowed, which later came into words.
"I leave all riches, they are but dross, For fame I care not, it's no loss, I leave all, yes, on earth's own sod, But let me see my Soul, my God,
“Dispel my darkness with Thy Light, O Light! Thou art my Life, my Sight,
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
