Jain Stories 03

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

Page 81

ANJANA
"What ! She is still after me ? Even at this exceptional moment in my life, she has taken courage to appear like an evil star :"
Pavanapjaya made his way through the crowd and stood right in front of Anjada He rebuked ber and kicked her publicly. She fell down in a swoon
Vasantatılaka who saw this from a little way off at once rushed in Anjana was carried to her apartment. When she was restored to her senses, she said
"May my husband win the laurels of victory !"
Pavananjaya was now far away from his city, marching at the head of the army. In the evening, they were on the bank of the Lake Manasa where tents were pitched for the nigbt. The moon came up In the moon light, Pavapadjaya loved to see a pair of skylarks enjoying each other's company He could not turn away his eyes. After some time, the male partner flew away, and the female bird was in the greatest distress and agony This made a deep impression on Pavananjaya who had a great compassion for the female bird He turned to his friend and said,
“These birds live together throughout the day and then separate in the night And still the female partner feels so much distress and agony !"
Prahasıt-"Well, the depth of distress like this can be known only by one who has experienced it A night is too loog Even an hour's separation may become unbearable"
This opened Pavanapjaya's eyes and he thought of Anjana and all that he has done to her He said,
“How heavy must time be hanging on her! How deep must be her distress! She has been living like this, neglected, unhappy, discarded, forlorn, for long 12 years. And all this is my own doing !"
Prahasıtm"You are right. Princess Anjana is really unfortunate. I am unable to measure the depth of her wound. She is gentle, noble and calm She bears everything with patience and without uttering a single word You