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174
JAIN RAMAYAN
the nature and worthiness of the taught. The rain brings about its effect in accordance with the place where it falls. The drops of rain that fall into the mouth of a cobra become transmuted into dreadful poison. The rain-water that falls into a well becomes soft and it becomes a giver of life; whereas the rain-water that falls into the sea becomes salt-water which cannot be drunk. The sports of fate are strange and inscrutable. No one knows what they are and no one can know them. My son, Parvat is my only prop. I love him more than my life. I heartily love Prince Vasu. But if these two are destined to go to hell what is the use of my leading this life? Why should I carry out the task of teaching them? Within a few moments. he developed an attitude of renunciation. He began tossing, on the waves of detachment and renunciation; and one day, he left his Ashram and went away to live the remainder of his life in a forest.
I too decided to leave the Ashram because my teacher had left it. In his absence, the Ashram and the surroundings appeared bleak and blighted. I had no peace of mind. By the grace of the Gurudev I had mastered all the shastras. So, one day, I left the Ashram and returned to my place. Prince Vasu also returned home; and Parvat took his father's place in the Ashram. So, we three were separated from one another for ever.
In course of time, King Abhichandra renounced his Kingdom and became a Shraman. Prince Vasu was crowned King of the city of Shuktimati. King Vasu became famous as a truthful king. He was praised everywhere. On account of his genius, his ability as an administrator, his militaric strength and prowess he became the cynosure of all the eyes in the world.
The river of time was flowing.
Once, a team of hunters came to a forest hunting. They aimed at an innocent deer with the purpose of killing it. The agile and active deer realized the intention of the hunters and in order to save its life began running. The hunters began chasing it. The deer which was running at a great speed disappeared in the hilly area of the Vindhya mountains.
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