________________
228
JAIN RAMAYAN
"Dear Bharath! If you adopt the path of Charitradharma, I too will follow you on that path.” Kaikayi made this unexpected declaration in the course of the conversation.
"What do you say mother ? Do you mean that you too will follow the path of Charitradharma ? Do you really mean it ?” At once, Bharath stood up from his seat. His face looked radiant with joy and elation.
"Really, Bharath, I will adopt the Charitradharma. Do you think that I am uttering a lie, you mad fellow? Why should I remain in samsar after you become a Shraman? What other attachment do I have in this world? When on that day, years ago, you decided to become a Shraman and to follow the path chosen by your father, I prevented you from doing so. Why did I do so? I did so because of my attachment for out you, nothing in this world can fascinate me. Royal power, royal splendour, wealth and prosperity do not fascinate me. All these are vain and futile in your absence. In your absence, I cannot take delight in any of these things. Now since you are becoming a shraman, I do not want to remain in samsar. I am determined to follow you on the path of Samyam. This is my firm and unshakeable determination. Now, the Charitradharma is the only way for me. No power on earth can change my determination. I too will become a Sadhvi and by breaking off the external and internal bondages, I too will endeavour to attain the ineffable felicity of salvation."
Bharath kept listening attentively to the unexpected but adamantine determination of Kaikayi. He pondered deeply over the causes that had impelled her to take that decision and upon the philosophy of life that had inspired in her that astounding spirit of renunciation. Kaikayi stood up; walked to and fro for a while and then standing at a window kept watching the sky with probing eyes that seemed to penetrate the inmost mysteries of the infinite world beyond the visible frame of this world. Bharath also stood silent and still near Kaikayi. The sky was clear. Countless stars twinkled in the sky. Silence prevailed everywhere. There was no noise anywhere. Kaikayi turned her eyes towards Bharath and said :
For Private & Personal Use Only
Jain Education International
www.jainelibrary.org
