________________
286
SHIRAWAN MAHAVIA
his lethargy. It was liko poradisa, A fow hicavenly damsels - appcared, greoiod him and said, 'Il porndira Seo the glory all round. You havo boon icinrarnatod in heaven. Way wo know tho doods that you performed in your latt Incarnation on carth? Did you commit theft and daroity, ascult and torture? Such deods alone onuillo ono 10 J reincarnation in heaven'
Rohineya was confused for a momoni. He glanced around He was awaro of Mahavira's word& Tho so-called hoavonly damsols woro winking Their foot tauchod the ground. They are anstocratic females and not ongols, he said it was all a part of Abhayakumar's thiconery. He could size up the situation Said he, 'lom Durgchand. I have still not passed away from my bodily abode. Don't attempt to befuddle me.' The spy reported the events to Abhayakumar who read in in his utter failure and sont Rohincya honourably towards his alleged place Shalgram
But Rohineya had a conversion of heart. Thought homA sentence uttered by Mahavira rescuod me. My father unwisely advised me to insulate myself from all utterances by him. I should seek his proximity and attend his preachings.
Lord Mahavira was engaged in preaching to Shrenik, Abhayakumar and other dignitaries were present there. When, he reached there Rohineya took place near by. The Lord elucidated non-violence thus.
'Happiness is a spontaneous experience of the self. Sensual pleasure is a mere spark of this very happiness But to usurp another's happiness for selfish ends is a prelude to an interminable chain of unhappiness. Whoever thus deprives another of his share of pleasure denies himself the appreciation of this truth
A man loved birds He kept many such birds in cages He had never perceived the pain of denial of liberty. It so happened that he was ensnared in a plot The police held him He himself was now confined who used to keep others confined It was only now that he suffered the experience of
