Jain Journal 1979 10

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

Page 17

54
Indra's eye-brows quivered in frown. He said, "What happened with you, that there is no happiness for you even in heaven? Such impossible words no one has uttered here, no one has heard."
"I am speaking truly, Lord. Though I am giving pleasure to everybody, my heart is as barren as a desert."
"But why?"
"I know not why? But sometimes I feel that my value in your eyes is not for me. My value is for my dances and songs, laughter and grace. I want that someone may feel pain for me in his heart for myself."
Indra laughed loudly. He said, "Don't you know Nilanjana, in heaven there is no pain, no tears, no crying-probably no heart. Here is only pleasure. Hearts of immortal gods always remain saturated with pleasure."
"Unpleasant seems to me that pleasure. I want this much only that two drops of tears should trickle down from someone's eyes for me."
JAIN JOURNAL
"Strange is your prayer! But that is possible only on earth, not in heaven."
"Then Lord! Send me to the earth.'
"The prayer with which I have come here you have asked that yourself. I will fulfil thy wish. But do you know its outcome?"
"I know, my Lord! Death. But if I can become immortal in some one's love that death will be to me nectar-like."
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It was the dance hall of the first king Rsabha. He was seated on the golden throne studded with gems with an air of aloofness of the golden Sumeru. He was grave and was shining with his own effulgence. With him at a proper distance were seated his ministers, princes and officers. In front was the stage encircled by five-coloured flowers. On this stage the courtesans of Vinita, beautiful and proficient. in their art, used to resound the air with mirth by their songs and dances.
*
Rsabha was the son of Navi, the last Kulakara of this Avasarpini. His arms were as strong as the trunk of a Sala tree, his youthful and well