________________
The Revenge
203
"There was a thick forest. It abounded in huge trees, beautiful plants, bowers and bushes. Nature was so beautiful there that it filled the hearts of people with peace and felicity. Countless birds sang melodious songs in the trees and the whole place looked beautiful and fascinating. The atmosphere was so cool and felicitous that it filled the hearts of people with sweet serenity. Every object and aspect of the area seemed to be radiating heavenly felicity. Every particle of the earth seemed to be scattering countless rays of ineffable felicity and serenity. There was an Ashram in that forest. It was a small cottage in the midst of serene surroundings. A certain Tapasi (one who endeavours to attain spiritual excellence) was living there with his wife.
Bramharuchi was the name of the Tapasi and his wife's name was Kurmi. They used to eat the fruits available in the forest and they drank the cool and soft water of a river that flowed nearby. They wore bark dress; and spent the whole day in the glorification of the Paramatma. Of course, they were not celibate. In course of time, the Tapasi's wife became pregnant. In those days, once, an auspicious event took place.
A group of Jain Sadhus who were carrying on their Vihar avel on foot) happened to come to the Ashram. Bramharuchi received them with great honour and treated th hospitality. The sadhus took rest in the shadow of a huge tree after cleaning the ground. Bramharuchi humbly sat down in front of the sadhus. The sadhus by virtue of their profound knowledge realised that Bramharuchi possessed an elevated character and that his soul was chastened and in the hearts of those sadhus there sprouted a desire to give him the right direction and guidance and to lead him on the path of righteousness and nobility.
“Noble man ! We think that you have been living here for quite some years”, said the sadhus by way of commencing a conversation with him.
“Yes, sir. You are right”.
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
