Jain Journal 1985 04

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

Page 43

APRIL, 1985
emperor found his head resting upon his own hand. He felt a deep pang in his heart.
143
The empress standing on the bank was calling,
"It's dawn now, my lord. Let us go for a stroll in the temple garden."
In a strange mental distraction, the emperor began to follow the empress. It was neither day nor night. Some another kind of time was to break out from within. They were walking together in absolute silence. The outside garden is of golden hue but the eyes of the emperor were fathoming inside he knew not what for.
Walking slowly the royal couple reached the temple called Mandita Kuksi. The emperor's eyes suddenly turned outwards. Under the shade of a tree he saw a young and handsome monk fully engrossed in meditation. Seeing him he felt a pang. He stopped and began to stare at him.
"Who is this scion of gods who have come down to this earth to practise such austerities leaving behind the bed of Mandara flowers ? What happiness was lacking for him in the heaven? Have not the polen soft arms of his goddess given him the happiness that he wanted ? I would like to know what pang what pain is hidden in his heart that he is squandering his youth in this way ?"
The young monk opened his eyes when his meditation was over. His eyes fell on the royal couple standing before him. But he looked at them with equanimity.
Walking round the monk thrice and bowing down at his feet the emperor asked,
"Arya, why have you adopted a life of such hardship at this young age? You who are in possession of such a refreshing youth, should have enjoyed it on the bed of roses instead of wasting it on the thorns of the forest."
"Because I was unprotected, Oh king! I had no relations, no friends. No one of my own. Nowhere I got complete affection or sympathy. That was why I renounced this world."
The emperor became grave at this answer. Such a bright and handsome youth and yet nobody made him his own! None loved him or gave