Jain Journal 1975 10

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

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