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140
JAIN RAMAYAN
The two cannibal friends had met again after a long time; and they found an opportunity to appease their ignoble craving for prohibited food. What a terrible effect of sinful karmas ! The two friends were immensely happy; and swayed with delight; and became absorbed in gratifying their monstrous craving for human flesh.
The friends stayed there for sometime. In course of time, Sodas began to yearn for a change of place. In consequence, the two friends went southwards. On the way, whenever they came upon a lonely child, they killed him and devoured his flesh.
As soon as they entered the boundary of the southern kingdoms, Anand stumbled; and fell down. Just at that moment, they heard the moaning of a jackal. Sodas, at once, stopped there. He said looking towards Anand :
"Anand! At every step we are witnessing bad omens. The shadow of some impending calamity has been hovering over us. So, today, we shall stay here”.
"Dear friend! Why should you care for omens ? Only cowards give importance to them. How can we get on if you entertain such fears ? . Look here ! On this path, small footprints are visible. If we hurry on, there is no doubt that we will soon get the food that we desire".
But Sodas did not approve of Anand's proposal. His body had become weak and withered. He did not have the enthusiasm to place even one step further. So, he said reluctantly, "Anand ! I will stay here. You go at once; search for food; and bring it”.
Anand proceeded hurriedly. That day, he was wearing a turban decked with colourful peacock's feathers; in his hands, he carried a bow and an arrow; over his back hung a large quiver full of arrows; he wore around his waist the skin of a tiger; and he wore wooden sandals. The son of the court-priest had become a forest-hunter; and was hurrying through the forest. He had lost his destination obsessed with his desire for
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