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JAIN RAMAYAN
found it difficult to give expression to his agitation, anguish and his innermost thoughts. It was also clear that he was experiencing some deep conflict.
Shri Ram rather shocked by his muted silence and griefstricken face, said,
"Dear Bharath! I hope you are well. I hope nothing is the matter. Has any inauspicious thing occurred ? Why are you so gloomy and grief-stricken? Why is your face so bleak and blighted ?
"Oh you revered one! The happiness of the body is transient. Joy and sorrow constitute a conflict. When I contemplate on the cosmos, life appears unreal like a dream."
When Bharath began to speak, Shri Ram and Lakshman heard his words with a natural shock; and kept looking at him with amazement. They soon realized the meaning of his words; Bharath said in a humble voice.
"Revered brother! Kindly remember that day on which our father called us to his side; and informed us of his decision to renounce the samsar. At that time, I too expressed my desire to become a Sadhu and to renounce worldly life. But owing to my misfortune, I could not follow our father on the path chosen by him. I could not renounce the samsar at that time since I had to carry out your command. I could not oppose your command; and your command compelled me to remain in the palace surrounded by royal splendour. I have been taking care of the throne and its imperial honour. I have been functioning only as your humble servant carrying out your commands. But now I am feeling restless. The bounds of my patience have given way. Now, my soul is desiring deeply..... .yearning for deliverance from these bondages."
Shri Ram heard Bharath's words calmly with closed eyes. Lakshman was trying to realize the inner meaning of every word uttered by Bharath. Bharath placed his head on Shri Ram's feet; and said :
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