Jain Journal 1979 07

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

Page 39

Abhayaruci -A Splendid Drama on Love and Non-Violence—
P. C. DAS GUPTA
With the struggle of mankind for gaining a higher state of civilization since earliest times the main motives no doubt concentrated on the needs of existence and the assurances of an organised society. But, perhaps, there were individuals since the beginning of human culture who recognised unseen beams of light in their distinctive environments in epochs that have relegated in the past sometimes being either enshrined in vague memory or in the legends of yore. Despite all confrontations, rivalries and needs of nations and communities it was at the same time manifestingly the experience of man in generations to value the dignity of soul and the eternal glory of love and non-violence. Herein is concealed a secret which must have stirred the sensitivity of man since the dawn of civilization. Deriving the spirit of his theme from the Yasodhara Carita the eminent playwright (Sri Ganesh Lalwani has presented us the drama Abhayaruci which epitomises the sublimity of love and non-violence as a star of purest light sparkling high above passion, desire and greed. The story of Abhayaruci has the lyrical and touching quality of a ballad as it is distinctive in the composition of Lalwani's dramas or operettes. Staged in Mahajati Sadan in Calcutta on 8th April, 1979 by the young girl-students of the Jain Sikshalaya, Calcutta, the drama will remain ever memorable for its artistry and the central theme. In brief the story of Abhayaruci narrates how a warrior king who was eager to flow a river of blood before a goddess of his faith at last arrives at the realisation that, love and nonviolence are more powerful than any magic or ritual and they can only instal a king and a beggar alike on the throne of peace. Maridatta, the lord of Rajapura and the conqueror of Rahra being under the influence of one Kaula ascetic Vira Bhairava ordered a sacrifice of 'one hundred thousand' living beings of all kind in pairs including a most auspicious looking pair of youths. The king was assured by the fanatical mendicant that, by doing so he would gain the person of the most beautiful Vidyadhara-kanya Jambhala whom he conjured before him by his esoteric prowess. Here it may be recalled that, the cult of the Kaulas often found expression through such rituals which spilled in unabashed grati