Jain Journal 1985 04

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

Page 18

APRIL, 1985
where tents were pitched for the night. The moon came up. In the moonlight, Pavananjaya loved to see a pair of skylarks enjoying each other's company. He could not turn away his eyes. After some time, the male partner flew away, and the female bird was in the greatest distress and agony. This made a deep impression on Pavananjaya who had a great compassion for the female bird. He turned to his friend and said,
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"These birds live together throughout the day and then separate in the night. And still the female partner feels so much distress and agony !"
Prahasit said,
"Well, the depth of distress like this can be known only by one who has experienced it. A night is too long. Even an hour's separation may become unbearable."
This opened Pavananjaya's eyes and he thought of Anjana and all that he had done to her. He said,
"How heavy must time be hanging on her! How deep must be her distress! She has been living like this, neglected, unhappy, discarded, forlorn, for long twelve years. And all this is my own doing!"
"You are right," replied Prahasit, "princess Anjana is really unfortunate. I am unable to measure the depth of her wound. She is gentle, noble and calm. She bears everything with patience and without uttering a single word. You have given her up, but, you do not know, she is devoted to you. You abused her, kicked her, insulted her in public, but the worthy lady bears no malice against you. A rare piece of magnanimity, really worthy of adoration!"
"But then why didn't she protest when Vidyutprabha was extolled in most superlative terms?" said Pavananjaya.
"That was a mere episode not to be taken very seriously. That really meant nothing, nor does it establish that she was either unfaithful or inconsistent. And then, tell me, why did she come to see you off from a distance. She wishes you victory and glory with all her heart."
"And I added to her distress by kicking at her. She was perhaps living on a streak of hope, but that day, it must have become a total darkness for her."