Jain Journal 1978 10

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

Page 31

74
But Nandisen gave no reply.
She still pressed him tighter to her breasts and was saying: 'Speak Nandisen, speak. Why your lips are afraid? Why your breathing is faltering?"
JAIN JOURNAL
Ruchira was now hearing the death-knell of her love. She understood. She could no more retain Nandisen. So she loosened her grips and freed him from her embrace. Tears rolled down the cheeks of Ruchira, the graceful courtesan. It is the end of desire and not of love. That love, that union was true and eternal.
Once again Nandisen stood in front of that stream. It was flowing with gentle murmur as before. That stone slab was lying there under the water in the same position.
Nandisen looked at that slab and then asked himself: Is his heart as hard and unbreakable as that stone?
He felt a pain in his heart which was moist with kindness and sublime in love.
Nandisen came and waited at the gate of Gunasila Caitya. He will enter only if the Master calls him in. Otherwise, he will give up his body by sallekhana.
But he had not to wait for long. He heard the voice of the Master. You are truthful to your self. Pure and sinfree as fire.
Tears rolled down the cheeks of Nandisen.