Parabels of Mahavir

Author(s): Harindranath Chattopadhyaya
Publisher: Shri Kiran Publishers

Page 31

[18]
"I thought I was a giant whom
Nobody dare defeat,
But you, O Lord! have crushed my power And shattered my conceit.
"Your presence is the presence of A being thrice divine :
You are no stranger, you are not, But a true friend of mine!
"Since, canceling all hate, you have Awakened love within
This callous serpent-length of me : Dark synonym for sin.
"Sweet Friend you have decided to Transform me and unfold
Before me my forgotten past, My myriad births of old."
The serpent sobbed in burning shame And sighed in deep regret.
Then, for the first time in his life, His serpent eyes were wet,
Were wet with sad repentant tears Which made Mahavir say:
"Repentant tears are holy tears That wash all sins away.