Stories From Jainism

Author(s): Mrugendramuni
Publisher: Jain Yoga Foundation

Page 83

He got up and went into the forest. Suddenly he heard some one calling him. He was so pleased at this. He saw a sadhu before him. He fell at his feet and asked for refuge. The sadhu welcomed him and said, “Don't be afraid. I think, you will do good things. I shall help you. Do as I bid you." Saying this, the sadhu disappeared. But Nandisen resolved to do what was demanded of him.
He crossed the forest and reached a village, where he saw a monastery. Here he was greeted with a welcome. He was given shelter here.
Soon he endeared himself to all the monks. He served them faithfully. He also began to serve the way-side sadhus, too. His fame spread far and wide. Service of others interested him.
After some time, an epidemic spread in the village. People died on account of cholera. Nandisen, therefore, began to nurse and serve the sick, day-in-and-day-out. He carried on his mission of mercy without feeling weary.
One day, Nandisen came to know of a monk lying on the road and suffering from diarrhoea. Hence, he left his meal and went to care for him. He cleaned the sick monk, whom he asked to walk to the monastery, leaning on Nandisen's shoulders. At this suggestion, the sick sadhu got impatient and began to scold Nandisen. He was not at all deterred by the harsh words said to him by the sadhu. Instead, he offered to carry the ailing sadhu in his arms. Nandisen found the
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