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state of deep rapture, for from between the footprints, a brilliant pencil line of light, as if it were liquid sapphire streaming down from the infinite, sprang up in a clear vision to his spiritual eyes. His whole being opened to it, commingled with it. His small self disappeared in the totality of the experience. It was a moment of doubtlessness, of oneness.
महावीर स्वामी पारगताय नमः
"Mahavira Swāmi Pārgatāya Namah," he felt himself murmuring. "To the Omniscient One, Bhagwan Mahavira, who has liberated himself, I open myself, I bow."
The call to renunciation and service which he had experienced during his illness in a semi-dream state was no longer a dream; it was a reality. As he bowed before the footprints of Mahavir, who had left his princely life in search of the root cause of suffering and the path to liberation, Rup knew he was following in these footsteps. Now nothing would deter him from uncovering the secret of death and finding the meaning of life. His decision to become a renunciate was confirmed by this transcendent ecstatic glimpse. Such a glimpse made the way easy for him; it would be his joy to turn toward the invisible universe of Self. He was ready and open to plunge deeper still.
Love and gratitude to his dear father poured out of him as he thought of how he had urged him to make this pilgrimage. He turned to his father, beaming with love. Silently they embraced.
"Now I must go in search of the Master," Rup told him.
"Yes," his father agreed, “and I am going to take you to one who is known as the Master of the masters. Why not go to the direct source?"
"Where is he to be found?" Rup asked.
"At Pālitānā. He is Acharya Shree Anand Sagarsuriji, a living incarnation of Mahāvir's message."
Before his father had finished telling him what he knew of this master, Rup's heart was ready. He was eager to go to Pālitānā and meet him. "Let us go and find him," he said, "Such a great soul must have found the answers I am seeking. He will be able to lead me."
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