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16
SHRAMAN MAHAVIR
Suparswa smiled and replied, 'What difference does it make Kumar whether I come to you or you to me? Pray pay heed to obliterate the differences that seem to have cropped up between us of late '
'Not that I know if there be any difference between us uncle'
'Dear son you do speak truth No shadow of a discord did exist between us during the life-time of my brother. But
since
'Wherefrom this 'since', sire? It is you who command me as a father now
'
The memory of late brother and Kumar's sweet and sentimental words agitated Suparshwa's feelings Tears brimmed up his eyes He broke down into an anguished cry His voice was choked up Kumar gazed at him stunned Somehow Suparshwa regained his self-control by suppressing his feelings and occupied a seat
'It is our grave misfortune that my brother and sister-inlaw have left us But what cannot be cured must be endured This smothering tragedy has triggered your decision to renounce the family This move cannot leave us unperturbed'
'Uncle, Sir, do I propose to quit my home? The truth is I have gone astray and seek to relodge into my consciousness that is my true home'
'God forbid if it be so Don't you now occupy your own home, where you were born and bred up?'
'Uncle, do you measure my existence with twenty-eight years only? Didn't I axist prior to that? If I did exist-then how does the present home belong to me? My consciousness is my home which is never severed from me I wish to be one with this enveloping boon of consciousness
'You philosophise, Kumar 1 expect you to be practical' 'In what way do you want me to be practical?'
'The tradition of Vazzi federation warrants attending the sessions of council and ruling it
'I know, Uncle, this duty enjoined upon us But you will
