Jain Legend Vol 2

Author(s): Hastimal Maharaj, Shuganchand Jain, P S Surana
Publisher: Hastimal Maharaj Shugan C Jain P S Surana

Page 107

hold on to the branch of the tree, he went to a well close by, leaped and caught hold of the branch of tree.
He felt reassured that he was safe for some time. Holding on to the branch he looked around and glanced into the well. He noticed that in it was a gigantic python, brandishing its tongue and looking at him ravenously. Close by, at the four corners of the well, were four other snakes, rather small in size, staring at him with open mouths. His whole body started shivering out of fear. He lifted his head and saw that there were two rats, one black and the other white, on the same branch that he was hanging on to. They were gnawing the branch with great speed
Witnessing all this, he felt certain that his life was in complete peril and there was no escape for him from this grave situation. Recognizing his footsteps, the elephant also reached the well and started shaking the tree vigorously. On the tree was a huge bee hive. The disturbed bees started biting all over the man's body. His whole body was burning in pain due to the unbearable agony. He felt as if the very god of death was dancing right in front of him; he trembled in fear.
Just then a drop of honey from the bee hive fell into his mouth. Even in that agonising and perilous situation also, he was carried away by the sweet taste of honey and felt happy and considered himself lucky.
Exactly at that time, one flying celestial (Vidy dhara) was passing by in the sky. He saw the man hanging from the branch into the well, surrounded by calamities on all sides. He sympathised with the man and said, “O Human being! Hold my hand. 1 will pull you out of this well and take you to a safe place free from all misfortunes”.
Hanging from the branch and still in the calamitous situation, he replied, “Wait for some time. Look, the drop of honey is about to fall into my mouth”.
The compassionate Vidy dhara offered again and again to grasp his hand and take him out of the situation. However, in spite of being trapped in difficulties, the man came with the same reply, “Wait for some more time; let me indulge in the taste of one more drop of honey”.
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