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234
JAIN RAMAYAN
decision spread throughout Ayodhya like wildfire. Everyone who heard about it felt shocked and grieved.
Kausalya said looking towards Shri Ram.
“Dear son! I have just now returned from Kaikayi's palace. She has made a firm determination to renounce worldly life. She has found release from the bondage of samsar and she is indeed blessed.”
"Mother! You too do not take such a decision. I feel griefstricken when I think of a separation from those who are dear and near to me. Mother! The truth is that even when I was away in the forests, I did not experience such anguish on account of the separation from Bharath and mother, Kaikayi. But to-day I am experiencing such anguish as cannot be expressed in words. To-day. I am steeped in deep grief. I am speaking the truth.”
"Dear son! Do not give way to grief. Please try to restrain your anguish. Try to console yourself and the people of Ayodhya. The path chosen by Bharath and Kaikayi is indeed sublime. No one who does not possess extraordinary mental and spiritual strength can choose that path. Your father set a great example to all of us by adopting that path. Only by pursuing that path can we attain spiritual elevation. What benefit is there in the life of a householder ? This life is transitory; these worldly pleasures are transient; and all worldly delights bring only pain and anguish. The path of Moksha shown by Bhagwan Munisuvratswami is the only path to genuine and lasting felicity. Indeed, Kaikayi and Bharath have set a lofty example to all of us."
Shri Ram kept looking at Queen Aparajita with fixed eyes. He kept listening to her enlightened and lofty utterances silently, and attentively. He silently approved of the truth of his mother's words. He said nothing. Just then, Sumitra came in; and looking at Shri Ram and Aparajita, said;
"Dear sister-in-law. Have you heard this news ?"
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