________________
to offer salvation, later appears to bring damnation. That some person or thing might bring us salvation at the time of calamity, or in the moment of death, is a false belief, and one must come to see it as such.
The empire and the army are considered to be saviours. But neither the empire nor the army can save a man about to be swallowed by death.
Changez Khan greatly feared death. Because of this fear he killed millions of people. The kith and kin of the killed became his enemies. His fear increased. A sentinel was appointed for his protection. But Changez Khan grew suspicious of him. Another sentinel had to be appointed. But growing suspicion necessitated an increase in the number of sentinels. However, Changez Khan was not reassured even when seven sentinels kept watch for him. He sat all night with a sword in his hand.
He had left his royal palace for sometime and lived in tents with his army. One night he dozed off for a while. At that very moment, a horse tied to a nearby post broke loose. It caused a tumult. Changez Khan woke up with a start. He thought the enemy had assaulted. In great panic, he started to move out of the tent. While fleeing, he stumbled over a spike. A pointed stake pierced his stomach and he died. Changez Khan had the tent with stakes erected for his safety, and yet his very means for salvation were responsible for his death.
Q. Is it possible to stall death?
Ans.
For thousands of years, the avoidance of death has been contemplated upon. Research is being carried out in this connection. Even today the scientists are occupied with this problem. They say death can certainly be stalled. In proof of their assertion, they say
263
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
