Jain Journal 1975 10

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

Page 34

OCTOBER, 1975
Siddhartha :
Vardhaman :
Siddhartha :
Vardhaman :
Siddhartha:
Vardhaman :
Siddhartha :
Vardhaman :
like a tank in which blossoms forth the lotus of fondness. If hot winds wither the lotus flowers, the loveliness of the tank is gone. You are so well-versed; can your learning not divine the mother's love.
[Vardhaman is quiet with head held low]
Why don't you speak. In our royal family, it is customary to marry. Best bride is selected for the eligible bachelor. On the basis of purity of blood, comeliness, decorum and natural disposition two different families unite in a matrimonial alliance and their redoubled renown spreads far and wide like the fragrance of spring. Wife and husband build a universe of their own, which excels even the heavens above. Out of the four religious orders, that of the householder's has been considered best.
61
Father, what you say is based on polity and accepted norms. But I cannot help my own inclinations.
Inclinations should be guided by reason. God has given you the faculty to think and reason out so that you may not be lead away by emotions. Of late I am noticing a contra trend in you. You are only twenty, but you simulate actions of a centenarian. You look even older than me.
None is older than you; Not even Indra.
Indra may not be older than me, but you surely are. So many kingdoms have sent proposals for your marriage, but looking to your ways I have not been able to send reply to any of them.
If you care to listen to me, you better not reply to any of them.
Why should I not reply? You are a prince, you are brave, you are wise, you are handsome, you are going to succeed to the throne.
I do not want to inherit this kingdom; I want to be heir to 'Salvation'.