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Jain Society of Greater Detroit
PRATISHTHA MAHOTSAV ASHADH 4-12 V.S. 2054 SUNANDA AND ROOPSEN
MAR
guruni," he said, penitent and growing serious and somber. and comber
The townspeople began singing praises of the sadhviji and surrounded her. The prince of the city also arrived. The elephant went straight to the city palace stables.
The sadhvi informed the prince of the elephant's seven lives and their bond to each other. "His destiny is of a life of devotion and ultimate moksha. This elephant will fast for two days, break for a day and then again fast for two days, continuously, until he goes to heaven."
The sadhvi Sunanda endeavored to bave others understand the importance of mental sins that lead to meaningless suffering, and in this effort she attained moksha.
path, that lives in the jungle just beyond the town. Turn around and return to the upashraya." A crowd gathered outside the town limits saying so to Sunanda who refused to listen and walked onward without fear.
The crowd again yelled to her, "Maharaj, do not go further. The mad elephant attacks whoever he sees. Run, run!"
With dirt flying around him and break- ing branches, killing all that he saw, the elephant struck fear in everyone and people scrambled onto rooftops, shaking with fear.
Then the elephant came toward the sadbvi. People started screaming but seeing the sadbvi, the elephant started walking around her in circles, in infatuation.
In a grave tone the sadhvi said, "Roopsen! Wake up! Why are you not letting go of this infatuation of yours with me? You were Roopsen and then you were in my womb. Then snake, crow, swan, deer and in this seventh life you have become an elephant. Why are you suffering needlessly? Break this bondage and free yourself of this pain."
The elephant became repentant and then gained memory of his previous lives. His eyes welled with tears. His seven lives flashed before his eyes. Full of remorse, he became pensive.
"Oh how misguided I am! Seven lives were swallowed up by my delirious passions. You bad also drowned in your passions but you were born anew and you are giving me a new birth. The elephant raised his trunk and began saluting her and bowing to her. "I am yours, oh
"From modern historical research we come to know that long before, Brahminism developed into Hindu Dharma, Jainism was prevalent in this country."
Justice Rangnekar Bombay High Court
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