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232
JAIN RAMAYAN
"Dear mother! May I know the cause for your sudden decision ?"
"Dear son! My decision is not a sudden one. Of course, my declaration has been a little sudden and unexpected. But actually I decided long ago that when Bharath adopts the Sadhudharma I too should join him as a Sadhvi. I have been contemplating on this plan for years. Indeed, my son! I have no attachment at all for wealth, prosperity, royal splendour and wordly enjoyments. I am absolutely devoid of worldly desires, worldly attachments and worldly infatuations. Bharath and I can attain serenity and felicity only by following the holy footprints of your revered father and that is the only path that can lead us to spiritual elevation."
Shri Ram listened calmly to the words of Kaikayi who was now the very embodiment of the spirit of refrainment and renunciation. Unknown to himself, his eyes welled up with tears. He thought within himself. "Mother Kaikayi is going to become a Sadhvi.. Brother Bharath is adopting the Sadhudharma and...” Shri Ram's heart was grieved at the thought of the separation from his brother. He kept looking towards Kaikayi with his bleak and blighted face. Kaikayi embraced Shri Ram affectionately and wiped his tears with the edge of her sari. With her heart overflowing with motherly affection for Shri Ram, she passed her hand softly over his head and said in a soft, serene and firm voice :
“Dear son! Your filial love and devotion is world-famous. Your devotion for your mothers is exemplary, unique and unexampled. Dear son ! I am speaking the truth. It will remain a beacon light to human beings groping through the dark alleys of despair in the wilderness of samsar. Your filial love is sublime and it can lift mortals to the level of immortality and divinity. Dear child! I am grieved deeply at the thought of my not having done anything to please you in my life; to bring some joy to your loving heart. But I succeeded only in causing agitation and anguish to your sweet and loving heart. It is this thought that has been causing indescribable anguish to me."
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