Jain Journal 1979 10

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

Page 19

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him. Then from near she began to look at the lotus-like face of Rsabha without a wink.
"What are you looking at Nilanjana ?" asked king Rsabha.
"That which is to be looked at."
"What is that, my beauty?"
"The grace of your beautiful face."
Rsabha began to laugh. Said he, "Nilanjana! Is the grace of this face is much more beautiful than that of Indra, the Lord Heaven?"
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JAIN JOURNAL
"Yes, my Lord... There is no pain in the love of heaven, no sensation of joy. That was only pleasant. I want not that which is pleasant. I want that two drops of tears should trickle down for me from someone's eyes."
"Strange is your desire."
"This is what Indra told me. He also told me that it is only possible on earth.”
"Havn't Indra told you the outcome of it?"
"Yes. He told me that its outcome is death. I have come here to embrace death. That death is my nectar."
Rsabha began to think-What is that love for which Nilanjana could say that death is my nectar?
Rsabha could not remain seated on the throne any more. He stepped down from the throne and stood before her. He said, "Nilanjana, my love."
Nilanjana closed her eyes. Her lips began to tremble. Slowly she said, "Rsabha, my love."
Rsabha spread his arms to take her in his embrace. But the wish of Indra was rushing with the pangs of death. She could not breathe, her body was disintegrating.