Jain Journal 1985 04

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

Page 63

APRIL, 1985
163
Nandisen could not finish his words, before that in a voice choked with pain he burst aloud, "Where is that wretched Nandisen whose fame I have heard. For days I am lying here but he is nowhere to be seen."
Hearing these words Nandisen bent his head in shame. Then he said,
“I know not of his fame but that wretched being am I.”
"You! You ! Whatever I have heard were all lies. You are a scoundrel.”
Even hearing these words, Nandisen did not loose his temper. He fell at his feet and then cried,
“You are speaking the truth. I am a scoundrel, otherwise, I wouldn't have asked you to walk. If you kindly permit I shall carry you to the hermitage."
"Carry me then.” Shouted the monk in anger.
Carefully holding the monk in his arms Nandisen proceeded towards the hermitage. The way was not very long, but still it appeared to him that it was non-ending. Darkness began to gather before his eyes. Hands were failing to carry the weight. He could not pull his legs together. Who knew that there was so much weight in the dry bones of the monk !
All the way he trudged with his heavy load. The monk was crying aloud abusing him and taunting him, asking him, "How far it was ? How far ?"
The dirt which Nandisen washed from his body came anew even soiling his body. But no, nothing could ruffle his mind now. He was carrying him with a placid mind.
"How far it is now ?”
“No, not very far. The hermitage is now visible.”
Nandisen still picked his way with all his strength.
But, what is this? From where was wafting that beautiful scent ! The smell of his ward that was unbearable uptil now had gone. Astonished Nandisen raised his eyes when he saw that sun of his dream