Jain Journal 1968 07

Author(s): Jain Bhawan Publication
Publisher: Jain Bhawan Publication

Page 35

JULY, 1968
But in the dark recess of that cave, Rathanemi, the younger brother of Aristanemi, was in meditation. As his eyes fell on her body, a fire of desire leapt in his mind. At that very moment Rajimati's eyes too fell on him. Fear seized her and she sat on the ground covering her curves by her palms.
15
Rathanemi stood before her and spoke soft and sweet words. Rajimati could see that he had slipped from his path but she remained firm and steadfast. She said,
"May thou be Vaisramana in beauty, Nala-kuvera in wealth or Indra himself, Lord of Heaven, but I seek not thee.
"A snake of the Agandhana specie prefers death in blazing flame to taking back its vomited venom.
"Oh ye fickle! Thou desireth to live with something which is vomited. Better die. Fie on thy name.
"I am the daughter of Ugrasena, king of the Bhoga clan and thou art the progeny of Andhaka Vrsnis. We should not be like the snakes of Gandhana specie. Remembering our high line we need remain steadfast in our austerity.
"If ye desire every woman thou seeth, ye shall not attain equilibrium like a palm-leaf swaying by every gust of wind.
"Just as a cowherd does not become master of the cattle he looks after, just as a treasurer does not become the master of the treasure, so by adopting a monk's robe ye shall not be a true monk.
"How can a man who at every step becomes a victim of passion and endeavours not to rise above it, follow the life of a monk?
"His is not renunciation real who enjoys not good dress, perfumes, ornaments, women or a couch because he has not these. Real renunciation is his who turns his back to pleasures that are readily available and who accepts them not.
"While moving in equanimity if perchance mind travels to things earthly, he need think, "These are not mine, nor am I of these.' Thus he should restrain himself.