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394
JAIN RAMAYAN
mahamuni carrying out meditation in a garden outside the city. A large number of devotees had gathered there. All were offering their salutations to the muni but Vegavati began scoffing at the mahamuni. She said addressing the congregation.
"Oh! Why do you salute him? I am sure that you do not know the truth about him. If you knew it, you would not have honoured him thus. I once saw this Sadhu enjoying sensual pleasures with a woman. He is a hypocrite. He has sent away the woman and here he is carrying out a hypocritical meditation. He is a wolf in the sheep-skin. He is really a sinful fellow who has put on the guise of a sadhu and you offer him thoughtless veneration. Oh! what a funny thing!”
Vegavati's words had an immediate effect on the people. They thought that the daughter of the court-priest would not utter lies and there must be truth in her words. In consequence, within a few moments, there appeared a great change in the atmosphere. The people got ready to beat the muni. Those who
ag the muni now began to abhor him. All began to repudiate the muni. All raised slogans condemni him. A commotion arose among the people.
Vegavati's joy knew no bounds. She was greatly elated. She said aloud, “Why do you keep looking at him? Beat him; he is not a muni. He is a hypocrite, a wicked fellow, a mean fellow and a slave to sensual cravings.” All began to beat the muni.
This is the nature of the samsar. It abounds in various kinds of peculiarities, ironies and agonies. The muni was absolutely innocent. He had not seen Vegavati before, nor had he conversed with her at any time, let alone provoking her. Yet, she behaved like his bitter enmy. The muni was a man of unexampled celibacy and spiritual excellence. Yet Vegavati condemned him and declared that he was a hypocrite. He became a victim to many impediments. He had to experience inordinate agony and anguish. Vegavati intoxicated with wealth, power and youth did not realise that in future, she would have to experience terrible anguish as a result of her ignoble action,
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