Jain Journal 1982 10

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

Page 18

54
JAIN JOURNAL
a big reception, etc... all nonsense. Behind all these there is a conspiracy.'
The man again began to look at the king's face. Now there was no more any cause for doubt. The king also believed it as natural. He became impatient. Even angry. He said, 'I will crush this conspiracy before it takes root.' He issued fresh orders. Nobody should give Udayi food or drink nor any resting place. One who would disobey this order would be severely punished.
Now who would dare to give Udayi food, drink or resting place. People desirous of merit follow a monk whenever he moves. But when Udayi entered the capital he was alone on the road. Whichever road he took to move, in an instant became deserted. Seeing him coming people began to shut their doors even on his face.
Udayi failed to understand why it was so. He could not gather food for his hunger nor water for his thirst. But he was not worried for that. Udayi with his begging bowl in his hand began to move in the city from one road to another.
Suddenly he came face to face with one acquaintance. He could not by-pass him. So he said hurriedly, 'Many people have come to my house so there is no space for staying. And food ? That you have to procure...' then as he could not decide what to say, looking at a pillar, as if it was his friend, he cried, 'Just I am coming', then quickly vanished behind it.
But Udayi was beyond joy and pain. So his placid mind remained undisturbed. Only he smiled a little.
Udayi continued to move. Thus he crossed the boundary of the city. Mid-day sun was just over his head. It was extremely hot. With the gust of wind burning dust was falling on his eyes, face and body.
At the far end at a great distance near a dillapidated wall he saw burnt-out stalks of barley. There was no shade anywhere in the scorching rays of the sun.
After a little while, Udayi came before a potter's cottage. The door was open and the potter's wife was standing near the door. The calm and radiant face of Udayi touched her heart.