Jain Journal 1980 07

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

Page 23

JAIN JOURNAL
Suddenly a new light dawned in her eyes. Feeling compassion that glorious one amongst men left this world. She should have to adopt that same compassion. She had to bring Rathanemi on his own track. She could not allow him to float like an insignificant straw in the torrent of desire.
Rajimati slowly advanced towards him and said in a soft voice, 'O scion of the Vrsnis, you have been born in a high clan. Can you be like a Gandhana snake ?'
Rathanemi looked astonishingly towards her. What do you mean by that ? he said.
'What do I mean ? Agandhana snakes prefer to die in fire than to take back the poison given out. But you are eager to take back what one has left.'
Rathanemi partly understood it but partly not. For that reason he looked askance at her.
'I am like the poison', said Rajimati. 'Whom my father wanted to give me without accepting me ascended the mountain. I am going to take initiation from him. Still can you desire my person ?'
Casting his eyes down Rathanemi remained silent standing like a statue. What he had done by being overpowered by a momentary passion ? He had not only stained his clan but had also insulted the once-betrothed wife of his elder brother. Disgraced was his life, his asceticism.
Tears rolled down his cheeks. Rajimati's heart also softened with understanding. She said, 'The fire of your passion has been put out by the sacred tears of your repentance. Forget the past. Endeavour for what is eternal.'
He saluted Rajimati bending a little. Then he left the cave. The sky had also began to clear.