Jain Journal 1985 04

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

Page 61

APRIL, 1985
161
Virtue of previous life of Nandisen had not totally exhausted. So he dreamt like that. He rose in a hurry. The night was at its end. The morning star was glowing in the eastern sky.
But as he was roused from his sleep his pain also returned. So he did not retrace his steps but moved forward as if possessed. He even forgot his dream.
He knew not how many days and nights elapsed in the woods. Moving from one wood to another he entered at last into a dense forest.
While moving in the dense forest Nandisen suddenly heard a voice which was sweet and nectarlike, “Nandisen, what do you want ?”
Astounded he remained fixed at that very place. Who could call him in that dense forest ? Whoever he might be, his single call had roused him like a lotus blossom at the first touch of the rising sun.
Nandisen raised his eyes to see. He saw a blue cloud. But no...at the very next moment he saw the very sun of his dream rising over the mist. He saw a monk standing there drenching his whole frame by mercy which was flowing from his eyes.
Nandisen fell at his feet. He said, “Lord, I am ugly and without intellect. Nor do I know anything. I had no place in this universe. I seek your mercy. Please give me protection.”
A mild smile spread over the divine face of the monk. He said, in that nectarlike voice, “Child ! Who says you are dull, without intellect and ugly ? Your intellect is like that of Brhaspati, your genius like that of Sukra and you are as beautiful as Vaisramana. The universe requires your service. I am giving you protection. Have no fear.”
Nandisen's throat was choked with emotion. He could not utter more. So he said, "I seek your protection ! I seek your protection !”
Again that voice sweet as nectar was heard. "The work which I am giving to you fulfil by three ways. Therein lies your welfare."
On hearing these words Nandisen fell at his feet. He repeated, “I seek your protection ! I seek your protection!”