________________
45
The Birth of Krishna awaits you when you are remiss in your duties. You may go now."
Devaki and Vasudeva thus had to set up their home behind the bars. They spent their time in prayer and meditation patiently putting up with the indignities meted out by the guards.
Years passed. Kamsa had already killed seven of his sister's children. But he became restless and unsured of himself as the day of the birth of the eighth approached. He would consult astrologers who assured him that he was immortal. He would increase the number of guards at the prison and order fresh rigors to be imposed on Devaki and Vasudeva. He would surround himself with musicians and dancers and try to drown his fears in all sorts of amusements. He would propitiate in a grand manner the spirits in which he believed. But still he knew no peace. Nightmares continued to torment his soul of which he now suddenly became aware.
One morning he summoned one of his uncles, a righteous and fearless old man in his eighties, and asked him: "Uncle, in another eight days from today, Devaki will perhaps give birth to the child who is predicted to be my destroyer. I want you to help me in belying this prophecy. If you cannot, I am sure you realize that you will die much sooner than I do."
"Death has no terror for me, my cruel, errant nephew," replied the old man, "even at the hands of a tyrant. As regards your impending doom, who can prevent it if, as you suggest, it is the will of God? I do not know how I can save
Jain Education International
For Personal & Private Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
