Jain Stories 02

Author(s): Mahendramuni, K C Lalwani
Publisher: A B Jain Shwetambar Terapanth Samaj

Page 85

KESAVA
into a trap set by you. You will never have the courage to look into his face"
The monk-Kesava. It is wrong on your part to question my identity. I am the same monk who fixed you un the vow. You take food so that I may be saved."
Tears were rolling down the monk's cheeks, his voice was shaky, his lips were quivering and he was not able even to stand any longer. The yaksa caught hold of him and dashed him against the ground. The monk fell senseless. Then while pickiog up the mace, he said to Kesava.
"Kesava! Nothing is lost yet. If you are prepared to partaks of the offering, I shall restore your master to life I shall even consider bestowing a vast kingdom on you. You will be rolling in luxury. But if this is not acceptable to you, then you will suffer the same fate as your master. I shall break you into pieces with this mace”
In a firm voice, Kesava said,
"This is not my master. You say, you can restore a dead man to life, then what prevents you to restore your own devotees to life who may be dead ? You say, you can bestow a kingsom on me Well, if you bestow it on your Own followers, they may be a little better off I have no Deed of thy kingdom. As to death, it is inevitable to mortal beings. I am pot afraid of its touch."
The yaksa now changed his strategy and changed into a friend. He took Kesava into his embrace and said,
"Truly, this man is not your master He is the creation of my magical powers to test your steadfastness. It is also true that none can restore a dead man to life, nor can one bestow a kingdom on another Then at a silent hint from the yaksa, the devotees who stood all around said,
"Well, sir, we understand that you are on fast for the past one week You are tired too for covering such a long distance on foot. We are sorry, we too have given you much trouble. We think now that you enjoy a wellearned rest. If you will take food only after sun-rise, we shall also do the same."