________________
4145yhisset. [ 4*21* he thought over what he should do next. He came to the conclusion that it was impossible to escape safely along with Susama and it was also improper to go alone, leaving Susama behind him- Susama, the sole object of his pleasure and the one that he valued more than his own life. So he decided that as he could neither take her away nor leave her behind him to fall into the hands of others, he cut off her head with his sword and entered a forest, with the head of Susama in one hand and the sword in the other. The S'reshthin felt very much when he came there and found that his daughter for whom he cherished so much affection was killed, With great difficulty he went home and to free himself from the grief he took up Diksha.
Chilati-putra lost his way and was unable to meet his companions. Over and above, he felt hungry and thirsty. He made the final attempt to find out the way that would lead him to his place but it was in vain. While he was so engaged, he was astonished to find a Charana-muni.1 in the Kayotsargaposture. He never knew what modesty and discrimination meant; but believing that the Mahatmans preach Dharma and Dharma leads to happiness, he thought of approaching him. But a tho
1 Charana-muni is a name given to that class of ascetics who have acquired the power of flying in air by practising austerities.
2 During this posture one gives up attachment to the body and spends the time in holy meditation,
316
..
...
ma
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
