Chitrabhanu Man with Vision

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

Page 89

to give him the space to experience this place alone. He followed along slowly, in his own time.
Rup was preparing himself to be in a state of quiet contemplation. He felt a sense of expectancy of what, he knew not. He was not aware of the details of the life of Mahavir, but, as a college student, he had been moved by these words which he had come across: "Even as the whole mango tree is contained in the very pit of the mango, even so, in you, O man, is divinity hidden. Rest not until you find it." This insight had had a penetrating effect on him, and, through the years, had surfaced to inspire him further in his quest for understanding and peace. Now he was about to experience the immortal vibrations of the man who had uttered those words.
As Rup came to the bridge which spanned the lotus-dotted lake and which led to the temple, he experienced something profoundly subtle, sweet and elevating. The water was still and deep. He could see in it reflections of a myriad sparkling stars, thanks to the flames of wicklamps floating on its calm surface. It mirrored too the glowing white marble temple which stood at the center of the lake. Water lilies peeped out from amongst lotus flowers. Rup saw each one as an individual, perfect in its beauty.
With each step, as Rup neared the temple, he felt a buoyancy in his limbs like that of a lark soaring in the infinite sky. Blood coursed through his veins and he felt his whole being igniting as if by fire. A steady nada hum tingled in his ears. He was swept on a high tide of joy.
In this exultant mood, he moved as if magnetized by the loving energy inviting him toward the innermost sanctuary. The silent majesty of the place magnified his ecstasy and intensified his awareness. He began to experience a transcendent dimension of consciousness.
As soon as he entered the temple, he was filled with a feeling of deep reverence and peace. Calm and serene, he walked slowly to the alcove where the padukā or footprints of Bhagwan Mahavir lay in low relief, sculpted out of marble. He lowered himself to his knees, bowed down, and rested his head before them.
In that single act of adoration, he was transported into a
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