Jain Journal 1979 07

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

Page 41

JULY, 1979
fication of senses. Here Vira Bhairava appeared as an extremist. Being smitten with desire Maridatta ordered for the holocaust even at the natural protests from his beautiful queen. At this time the Nirgrantha Sraman Acarya Sudatta was travelling near Rajapura seeking alms and among his followers were the young mendicant Abhayaruci and his younger sister Abhayamati. Continuously fasting for eight days the young mendicants, the brother and sister entered into Rajapura only to be caught by soldiers who at last found a human pair worthy for sacrifice due to their look of impeccable purity and auspicious demeanour. At this action of royal troops the citizens protested and challenged the authority of religion and the king. They already despised the sacrifice of innocent animals before Candamari and now their feelings almost reached the point of revolt. When the earth trembled at the moment even the loyal soldiers were uncertain of their action, especially when it involved two young apostles of peace and non-injury. In the moment of danger Abhayaruci maintained his fortitude cherishing love for all including his tormentors. When Abhayamati wept being a child as she was Abhayaruci consoled her by telling that in the path of unknown destiny the death will sooner liberate their souls from the bondage of mortal existence. Eventually, they were both brought to the place of sacrifice before the shrine of Candamari. Here Vira Bhairava encouraged Maridatta to complete his work. The horror of the atmosphere of the site was increased by a dance of goblins as if thirsty for blood. The king with his sword in hand was struck with remorse at the approach of the young mendicants bound with chains. He heard from within that, killing and unrighteousness were undeserving of a monarch who on the contrary was expected to bestow protection to all. The glow of calm and sublimity produced by Abhayaruci and the heavenly innocence and sweet conviction of Abhayamati towards the ideal of detachment and dedication of the self as prerequisite of non-injury to all living beings drew Maridatta to a world of peace and beatitude. The king experienced a joy hitherto unknown to him. Vira Bhairava tried to dissuade him from the new path of bliss by displaying some of his esoteric feats but all his gimmicks failed to produce any result. Unable to resist perhaps the feelings of his inner soul admiring unwillingly the blossom of comprehension that was unfolding its petals within himself he left the place with his companions. The awe created by the blood-red garments and the matted hair of the Kaula indulging in rituals of passion disappeared before the eternal effulgence of the principle of non-violence and sympathy for all beings in pain and sufferings. The absolute comprehension of this very ideal of non-injury or ahimsa is required for the Nirgrantha for achieving the ultimate knowledge as gained by the Kevali. In the last scene of the drama enacted Maridatta seeks refuge in his new shrine of knowledge
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