Confession Path to Self Liberation

Author(s): Gunratnasuri
Publisher: Jingun Aradhak Trust

Page 94

also wished to console the prince as he couldn't tolerate the death of such a pious soul. The king exiled Sulsa but was firm on his decision to plunge in the burning flames. The fumes of burning logs of woods were touching the sky. King Sundarpani tried extremely to convince him but it was in vain. The king didn't loose hope and asked the tapaskumar, “Stop the prince from entering the fire by any means. Do something as you
are his friend." ľ Tapaskumar was also in a
great trouble. Anything could happen if the situation wasn't handled tactfully. Considering the appeal of the king he convinced, “Friend! What are you doing? Suicide! Suicide results into great degeneration of a soul. Your future births will be deteriorated. It is said that fortune favours the existing.” Hearing this, the prince optimistically said, “Dear friend, if you bring Rishidatta back to me and unite me with her, I will change my decision and will give
you whatever you desire. I want to know if you have seen Rishidatta anywhere?” He replied, “Yes, I have seen her with God” The prince said, “Then, please go there and bring her back.” He said, “If I send her over here then I won't come and I will have to be there” The prince said, “If you come then well and fine but send Rishidatta back.” He said, “Tie a curtain, I will go to heaven by meditation and send her back, but I shall not return."
How selfish can a human be. The prince, who was unable to survive without his friend, was ready to leave him for Rishidatta.
The tapaskumar went behind the curtain and using the divine herb, transformed into Rishidatta. People were astonished seeing her and murmured within themselves, “Leaving the virtuous Rishidatta, the prince wasn't happy with Rukmini."
Now, the prince had no affection for Rukmini. He didn't even look at her. This made pious Rishidatta unhappy.
Confession: The Path to Self-liberation...81