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by acting thus, this wretched self of mine will, for the present, be certainly free from these Meru Samana. (prodigious like Mount Meru) misfortunes.' After wailing for a long time with a heart extremely split by a saw of unendurable agonies, she fainted with her eyes closed. On seeing her in this condition, Vaigyāyana sprinkled cold water over her and fauned her with the end of his upper garment. The maid-servants standing near her, administered medicinal treatment also. When she regained consciousness with great difficulty, Vaisyāyana gently addressing her said, "O mother! why I wonder, there should be to much sorrow now? What is your fault here? Only the Fate, eager of causing contact and separation, at will, without under-going any obstruction what-so-ever, is blameworthy here, as under the assumed appearance of accomplishing various functions, it renders people helpless and makes them dance like an actor on stage; it makes them follow an extremely contrary behaviour; and it causes illicit intercourse even with unsuitable individuals. Leave off, therefore, your remorse, have patience, and calmly endure the calamity that has befallen you." She replied, "O son! This is an extremely unbearable, and un-concealable calamity that has overtaken me. On remembering it, I am kept alive as if my heart has become callous like an adamantine knot. But an un
fortunate creature like myself, has no other cause of living. Therefore, O child! I am desirous of hanging from the branch of a tall tree with a rcose around my throat and of abandoning this life which is a blot on my family Therefore, give me your consent. You are the only person fit to be consulted now.
"
Vaisyāyana said, "O mother! Do not harbour such wicked notions. Now, I shall deliver you from the possession of the harlot, and you effect the accomplishment of the Final Attainment of your soul by austerities. An untimely renouncement of life is denounced as reprehensible by all scriptural writings " After having duly pacified her mind, Vaisyāyana delivered her from the harlot by a gift of much wealth and having taken her to his own town, he established her in a morally virtuous family throughout the remaining period of her life.
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