Jain Journal 1982 10

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

Page 19

OCTOBER, 1982
Udayi was in need of food for his hunger, water for his thirst, space for taking rest.
The potter's wife understood by looking at his tired face that he had to travel from a long distance to come to this village. So she asked, 'Are ye coming from the city?'
'Yes', said Udayi.
Then after a pause she asked again, 'Why didn't you stay there ?'
'Because I couldn't get any shelter.'
'Couldn't get shelter? Let them all perish. Well, wait a bit. I am coming after asking my husband.'
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The potter was busy with his work. When he heard that he had to give shelter to a monk he cried out, 'All these people are swindlers, rouges. There's no need of giving them food and drink. Show him off instantly.'
The potter's wife said, 'No, no, he is not like that. He is ...'
'Don't plead. I know them all. They are...
The potter's wife was angry. you know ? You know only to won't expect to get your food.' kitchen.
She also began to shout, 'What do eat. If ye drive him out then you Saying this she turned towards the
Being thus rebuked the potter was also angry. But he controlled himself, because he knew his wife very well. He understood that if he said anything more she would just throw away all the food. It was now high time for lunch, and he was hungry also. So lowering his voice as much as possible he said, 'You become easily angry. What's his name ?'
'I don't know. Go and ask yourself.' Saying this she entered into the kitchen.
The potter came out and saw Udayi. He understood that he was not an ordinary monk. His wife was right. So bowing from a distance he asked, 'Reverend Sir, What is your name?'