Shraman Mahavira

Author(s): Dineshchandra Sharma
Publisher: Mitra Parishad Calcutta

Page 37

THE CAMPAIGN FOR EMANCIPATION
. 'I concede brother, the veracity of your views Far be it from my intentions to block your progress to your thrice lofty goal But is it fair for you to abdicate now? How shall i exonerate myself of the change of banishing my younger brother following upon the heels of our parental loss?'
Nandiwardhan's point was incontrovertible and still more formidable was his sentiment The compassionate heart of Kumar could defy neither
The chariot of the evening sun was coming to a hitch after its strenuous day's journey The cowherds gathered the stray herd and made for their respective villages The traders were collecting their wares to close their shops Horde of things there be that manifest themselves with the emerging rays of sun and vanish when the latter come to a close The divergent discussions of Suparshwa and Nandiwardhan held with Kumar were yet to come to a close
The mere brushing of the pollen with its wings connot satisfy a black-bee A deep draught of nectar alone satiates it Suparshwa and Nandiwardhan were not at peace with themselves and they continued to discuss their mutual worry Like a keen black-bee they longed to extract the refreshing nectar of hope that Kumar Vardhaman was still witholding.
Kumar Vardhaman was torn between the divergent forces of his determination and the pathos of his uncle and brother He wished to march along the great path of renunciation but with their consent as his compassion and non-violence were through and through inspired with natural tenderness
Kumar visited Nandiwardhan's chamber to drive home his approach It bleased him to find his uncle and brother already in conference It needed no effort to follow that his imminent renunciation was the subject of this conference He paid respects to them and seated himself nearby
Suparshwa broached the subject of renunciation Said Nandiwardhan, 'It is the worst disaster that can befall us We , simply cannot stand it Kumar ought to change his mind.