Book Title: Jain Journal 1975 10
Author(s): Jain Bhawan Publication
Publisher: Jain Bhawan Publication

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Page 55
________________ OCTOBER, 1975 Nandivardhan : That may be alright. But I cannot bear the sight of an heir to the throne, sitting on a dusty ground. A prince who has dallied in lotus tanks, should thirst for drops of water ! Vardhaman : Brother, having tasted nectar, I no longer need water. I have lifted myself out of this worldly tank and have landed on the road to salvation. A man who has selfcontrol can appreciate the virtues of non-attachment. Nandivardhan : But what if the mind rebels. Vardhaman : A mind still as a mountain, indifferent to the glamours of the world, can never rebel. And if it rebels, I shall bring it under control, as a Mahout brings the elephant under control by his trident. You will recollect that a few years back I did bring under control an elephant run amuck. Nandivardhan : Any Mahout can control an elephant ; but even sages have failed in subduing their passions. Vardhaman : Brother, there is no lust left in me. And I have plucked from my heart the arrow of desires and hankerings. I fear none. I have set ablaze the cycle of birth and I have burnt all karmic bondage. I am sure, there shall be no rebirth for me. Nandivardhan : You may not be reborn, but what about life in this birth ? Like a dead-wood thrown in the jungle, will you spend the rest of your life in the forests ? Vardhaman : This human body is itself a tabernacle of least permanence. I have broken loose the shackles of this frail tabernacle. From minarette to basement it is all gone-- I see no palaces before me. Nandivardhan : After all, what are you going to achieve by roaming about in the forests ? Vardhaman : Peacocks with beautiful plumage and long necks dance, the cuckoo sings, the antelopes graze on velvety green grass, waves rise and fall in the spring—what peace and Jain Education International For Private & Personal Use Only www.jainelibrary.org

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