________________
226
SHRAMAN MAHAVIR
mity An armour of resolution shielded him and he stood as of prepared to surrender the body It was evident that the meditation was not to be disturbed till the ultimate merger would occur.
Arjuna roared as he came near.
'Who you be? What be your name? Are you an orphan? Did none counsel you properly? Don't you know the spot has in store a sudden and certain death for you? What make you mute? Why this nonchalance? Then be ready to suffer this deadly mace of Mudgarpanı.'
Sudarshan was absorbed in his meditation No word was uttered, nor a tremor felt Arjuna was infuriated He attempted to raise the mace high up but his arm was, as if, paralysed Arjuna strained himself to the utmost but with no result He had no will left His fury was gone
Arjuna was once more the original Arjuna His person was numb and powerless He could not stand anymore and fell prostrate at Sudarshan's feet
Sudarshan saw that the affectation was gone The dark clouds of fear had been scattered without any showers He opened his half-closed lids The body-consciousness was surrendered completely He remembered Mahavira and put his soothing palm over Arjuna's head
He was again his true self The first ray of awakening shone in the sky of his consciousness Now in awareness he repeated his questions
'What you be?' 'I am a follower of Lord Mahavira ?' 'Where do you go?' 'To pay respects to Lord Mahavira ?' 'Could I accompany you?' 'None is prohibited to see him'
Arjuna went to the Lord with Sudarshan The guards reported to the king that the calamity was over The highway was safe once more The evil was put under control Arjuna
